Mayra's Secret Bookcase

Amazon Facebook Blast Event

2012-02-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Several bloggers have teamed up to bring you a $100 Amazon Code contest where you the reader can win! This is as easy as you can get. Fill out the Rafflecopter form. Follow the Facebook pages, and take two weeks to do it if you need to. If you are a blogger and want to join in the next event, sign up here.

NOTE: I'm having trouble getting the Rafflecopter to show in the post. If by any chance you can't see the Rafflecopter under this post, please enter HERE.

Thanks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way is now an interactive online experience

2012-01-31T09:58:00.000-08:00

Julia Cameron and her marvelous book, The Artist's Way, completely changed the way I approached writing, inspiration and creativity. I can honestly say that this book changed my life. It has also changed the lives of millions of artists and creative people worldwide. If you're already familiar with Cameron's work, you know I'm not exaggerating. If you're new to her work, I urge you to discover it. It's never too late!

Now, Julia's 12-week program is available online:

Through interactive tools, you'll be able to:

UNBLOCK yourself with powerful Artist's Way exercises
TRACE your creative process in your own personal Artist's Way Creativity Notebook
RECEIVE Daily Inspirations, Affirmations, and Artist's Date ideas from Julia

The kit includes a contract, the artist's date, artist's date exercises, creativity pages and creativity notes.

For those of you on the go, there's an app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

You can learn more about this exciting program at My Artist's Way Toolkit.

New Event: Spring Buzz Giveaway Hop

2012-01-28T00:13:00.000-08:00

Event Details:

-Spring Buzz Giveaway Hop is brought to you by Just Married with Coupons & Sweep Tight
-The Grand Prize and referral prizes are sponsored by BeeSavy. (Must join BeeSavy to be eligible)
-The Giveaway Hop will take place March 21 – 27.
-The minimum value of each package will be $25.
-You can divide into as many prize packages as you would like as long as the min. value is still $25.
-You can also always sponsor your own giveaway, as long as its valued at $25 or more.

For full information on how to sign up or participate, please visit Sweep Tight.

Amazon Facebook Blast Event

2012-01-27T23:59:00.001-08:00

If you're looking for more Facebook followers, consider taking part in the Amazon Facebook Blast Event. For details on how to enter, visit Sason and Pobi.

On the Spotlight: Beauty and Other Traps, by Nicole Weaver

2012-01-16T04:32:00.000-08:00

Meet Marie, a high school senior trapped in her mother's web. She's facing troubling changes. You will relate to Marie as she deals with her mother, stepdad, peers and the prospect of graduating high school. Does hope lie ahead? Join her and find out.

About Nicole Weaver

Nicole Weaver was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti. She came to the United States when she was ten years old. She is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish and English. She is a veteran teacher of French and Spanish. Her three trilingual children's picture books include, Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle, My Sister is My Best Friend(published Fall, 2011), and My Brother is My Best Friend (to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing).

Nicole's links:

My Sister Is My Best Friend Blog:
http://mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com

My Birthday Is September Eleven Blog:
http://mybirthdayiseptembereleven.blogspot.com/

Marie and her Friend the Sea Turtle Blog:
http://marieandherfriendtheseaturtle.blogspot.com

Websites:
http://outskirtspress.com/nicoleweaver
http://www.melangeofcultures.wordpress.com
http://nicole-weaver.com

Educational Expert:
http://www.bizymoms.com/city-experts-cp/ce-nicole-weaver-130.php

Blogcritics Contributor:
http://blogcritics.org/writers/nicole-weaver

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing Workshop, February 6 – 24, 2012

2012-01-11T04:29:00.000-08:00

I'll be offering my Slippery Art of Book Reviewing Workshop at Lowcountry Romances Writers from February 6 to 24. The deadline to register is February 2nd. The price: $16.00.

For details, please visit: http://lowcountryrwa.com/online-workshops/#FEB

This will be a group workshop. If you're interested in an individual workshop, please visit my workshop page for details: http://mayracalvani.com/workshops/

Happy New Year!

Interview with D.L. Reynolds, author of the YA fantasy, Darla Jade and the Balance of the Universe

2011-12-17T03:15:00.000-08:00

Please welcome my special guest, D.L. Reynolds. Reynolds is the author of the YA Christian fantasy, Darla Jade and the Balance of the Universe, the first book in this his new series for fans of fantasy and adventure fiction. I had the pleasure of reviewing his book last week. You can read my review here. I hope you'll enjoy the interview!

About the author:

"I’m just another guy seeking to follow my dream of creating entertainment! I have been a part-time dabbler over the years in writing, art and acting until now. I am determined to make writing my profession moving forward."

About the book:

Darla Jade and the Balance of the Universe is the first book in the Guardian series. The main characters are a group of teenage Guardian Angels, well, Guardian Angels “in training” led by Darla Jade a feisty thirteen year-old girl. They go on a fantastic journey to retrieve the Sacred Light and the Staff of Calling in order to bring Striker back and stop the evil army being created by Johnny and his Demons intent on destroying all that is good.

Interview:

Congratulations on the publication of your young adult novel, Darla Jade and the Balance of the Universe. What makes you passionate about writing for children?

The media has swayed too far from good values and moral ethics. Most popular stories today forsake solid values and instead emphasize bad messages and poor choices by dressing them up to look like fun.
In part, the Christian market has brought some of this on themselves by not supplying the stories that kids want to read. Unless we capture their interest, they won’t read our books.

I hope to bridge that gap with the Guardians, by supplying the same type of darkness and fantastic adventures in my stories that are popular today. Then I sprinkle it with the light and goodness as a message that we need to hear.

Let’s work together to bring back good values that our children can carry with them for the rest of their life.
We can make a difference!

Are you a fantasy author or do you also dabble in other genres?

I’m a Jack of all Trades…
• I am an award winning poet.
• I am an award winning writer of short stories and other types.
• I have a children’s picture book in publication that should be on the market early in 2012, (Map Time, book One of the Sidewalk Chalk Series).
• I am a script writer, and actor along with other areas in the film industry.

Tell us something about your protagonist, Darla Jade. What kind of girl is she and why do you think young readers will love her?

Darla is a typical teenager. Even though she’s in Heaven, she’s still the same person she was before. Darla struggles with the same issues every teenage girl faces and feels, like boys and onward. However, in Heaven she doesn’t get away with it, Demerits! She has to accept her sins and make them right or suffer the consequences. This is the get out of jail free card that we all can use. Make things right by doing goodness and facing up to your wrong doing. Then the slate is clean again!

Even though things may seem too scary or undoable at times, Darla Jade has tenacity and faith in herself, her friends and God. Darla Jade and the Guardians are a group of underdogs, who’s capabilities fall substantially short of their needs. But they stick together “no matter what”. The reader will see themselves in this adventure as a Guardian, a personal member of the team. They will face insurmountable obstacles along with the Guardians. In doing so, they will see that the challenges in life can be overcome though hard work, goodness and having faith. Face the challenge with your fellow Guardians, and the mountain becomes a pebble on your path toward victory!

Tell us about the bad guys, too!

There’s some interesting twists on the Bad Guys in this adventure and the upcoming novels. Can you say… I didn’t see that coming!

Johnny was pulled from the grave the same night as Darla Jade and he’s the mastermind behind taking over the Balance of the Universe. As you well know, most Demons are not too smart, but Johnny has brains. He sets up alliances with some very powerful, and some not so powerful Demons and his plan is launched by a team of evil that clashes with the Guardians every chance they get.

What is the most challenging aspect of writing fantasy?

For me the most challenging part is staying focused on finishing a single adventure. I have so many ideas that it’s hard to work on “only one”. However, that has its advantages, 4 of the series novels have been completely outlined. This is important, because it allows me to foreshadow significant plots and twists in future books, while still wrapping up an adventure per novel. There are foreshadows in book one that will play out in the final novel, Darla Jade and the Prophet.

I also have issues finding the time to write and deciding when it’s “good enough” to quit editing.

How long did it take you to write the novel?

About a year, the first draft was 130,000 words. After focus group readings, feedback, and my editing, I ended up with about 85,000 words. Yeap… it was tough to cut a full novel out, but I’d rather have a good story. It’s important to test your work outside your family, and listen to what people suggest.

My novel was stalled for two-years waiting on an editor at Simon and Schuster to publish it. They never came through, so I took it back and went elsewhere. That means this novel has been in the works for nearly four-years.

Do you do school visits? Do you have any events coming up?

My book is hot off the press (Nov 11th), so I’m still setting up a lot of stuff. I will be speaking at schools, churches and other venues. I will be conducting book signings and stocking the book in many bookstores. I also have several friends across the globe, who are going to launch the book in their countries and start word of mouth advertising.

What is your writing schedule like? Are you disciplined?

My schedule is tough. I spend 8 -12 hours a day on a computer for my job and then write after I get off work. This is hard on my eyes… and tiring. However, I work through weekends (when not doing movies), and use vacations to write. In fact, I am on vacation now writing a new novel. However, I could be more disciplined.

What do you do when the words ‘just won’t come out’? Do you stay and force it until something begins happening on the page?

No, I draft outlines and several supporting documents in parallel when I write. I always go back and forth between them and the story, as I write. It’s pretty unusual for me to not find the words. On the rare occasion when that happens, I drop back and edit earlier writing, and then I’m back on track with the story. I am more likely to want to start a new story… and then the old one goes on the back shelf!

Do you have any tips for aspiring children’s authors?

Yes, do your first run through as a draft and resist the urge to edit until you’re done. Stick to your story’s “core concept”, but test it with non-family readers. If several say the same thing, listen to them. I didn’t do everything they suggested, but I did pay more attention, and when several readers said the same thing, then in many cases implemented their suggestions.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can learn more about you and your work?

www.darlajadeandthebalanceoftheuniverse.com
www.theguardians.co
www.dlreynolds.co

Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?

This isn’t going to be easy, but you can see your book published. More than anything “don’t quit”. You must push hard “at every step in the process”, nobody else is going to do it for you. Don’t accept anything but the best from yourself and everyone who participates in the process.

Some points to remember:
Every writer starts with a first word.
Every writer thinks their writing isn’t good enough.
Every writer thinks the task is too big.

The published writer takes it one word at a time.

Then next thing you know… people are reading your book, and liking it!

Book Review: The Lucky Baseball: My Story in a Japanese-American Internment Camp, by Suzanne Lieurance

2011-12-15T23:49:00.000-08:00

The Lucky Baseball is a highly entertaining and educational novel about a young Japanese-American boy whose dream is to become a famous baseball player. Set during the time of the war between the US and Japan, the book teaches about that dark era of our time while proving young readers with a fast-paced, interesting plot and a strong and sympathetic protagonist.

This middle-grade historical novel begins on the eve of the war. Our young hero, 12-year old Harry Yakamoto, lives in Seven Cedars, California with his father and grandparents in an apartment above their restaurant. In spite of the regular prejudice he encounters as a Japanese-American, he lives a reasonably happy life doing what he enjoys most: playing baseball and spending time with his family and friends. His biggest dream is to become a professional baseball player one day, but he has a series of obstacles. For one, his father expects him to run the family restaurant one day, and is not pleased when he sees Harry practicing ball too much. To add to that, he's not able to join the teams in town because a lot of the kids--especially a bully named Tony Rossi--are prejudiced against his background. In spite of all this, Harry tries to make the best of life.

Then his life turns upside down when the US declares war on Japan and he and his family are forced to relocate to a camp 200 miles away in the middle of the desert. There, his living quarters are reduced to a cold and dusty, small room he has to share with his family. Dirty latrines, poor food, rude guards, and another bully are some of his other new problems. But the fire of baseball eternally blazes in his heart and he soon forms a team and becomes the captain. Will Harry live his dream? Will he go back to Seven Cedars and live like a normal American without the evils of prejudice?

I'm not a fan of baseball, but I have to say I loved reading this book. The story and especially the protagonist drew me in from the beginning. Harry is a special character with a distinct voice and personality. He has his flaws, but is brave and pure at heart. He's the kind of young hero readers like to root for. The plot moves fairly quickly without a lot of exposition or description. I felt transported back in time and learned a lot about the camps. The Lucky Baseball offers a glimpse into the evils of war and the injustice of prejudice. What I especially like is that the author doesn't lecture or preach; the message comes through from the action.

The Lucky Baseball is 160 pages and is geared at grades 5 to 7. If you have a middle grader who loves baseball, this is a story he or she will surely enjoy. It is also excellent reading material for classrooms, as it offers many subjects for discussion. Highly recommended.

Book review: Darla Jade and the Balance of the Universe, by D. L. Reynolds

2011-12-09T01:03:00.000-08:00

Darla Jade and the Balance of the Universe is part of an exciting YA series for fans of fantasy, adventure and Christian literature.

The story begins in a cemetery when 13-year old Darla Jade's soul is 'raised from her grave' by Striker, the creature that calls the souls at the resurrection before they're to go to either Heaven or Hell. Darla is sent to Heaven while another boy, Johnny, is sent to into the vortex of Hell. Once in Heaven, Darla must attend school for training as a Guardian Angel--or Guardian, for short. There, she makes friends but also has a tough time controlling her temper and rudeness. She keeps getting demerits for bad behavior. However, Darla is brave and good at heart and this is what matters, especially because, as the story develops, it becomes clear that she is 'The One,' the Guardian who will save the world from Evil. In the Heaven academy, Darla learns a lot from famous teachers such as Leonardo DaVinci, Tesla and Benjamin Franklin.

Meantime, down in Hell, Johnny and other demons are planning to tip the Balance of the Universe in the forms of a evil storm on earth. For this to succeed, Darla must be destroyed, for she is the only one who can stop it and bring the Balance back.

I have a lot of good things to say about this YA fantasy: the pace is quick, with lots of dialogue and action scenes; the worlds of Heaven and Hell are rich, intriguing and imaginative. Author D. L. Reynolds certainly has a flair for world building. What I especially like about it is that the world building doesn't come in information dumps that slow down the pace, but instead it's incorporated into the scenes with the action and dialogue. One aspect that got my attention, though--and this is only an observation--is that the first several chapters of the story read more like middle grade (for ages 8-12), and it is only after some time that the plot acquires more 'heavy' elements which are more suitable for the YA audience (13 and up). Overall, I'd say this is a novel for the tween and YA audiences and not for middle graders.

Darla Jade and the Balance of the Universe was a surprisingly interesting and pleasant read and I look forward to the 2nd book in the series.

Visit the author's websites:

www.theguardians.co

www.darlajadeandthebalanceoftheuniverse.com

www.dlreynolds.co

Interview with Kai Strand, author of The Weaver

2011-12-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Kai Strand is a middle grade and young adult author. She lives in Central Oregon with her husband and children. They love to hike and geocache. She reads every story she writes to them. They are amazingly patient and remain appropriately enthusiastic. Kai has had several short stories published online and in print magazines. You can find links to some on her website. To learn more about Kai and her writing, visit www.kaistrand.com

About the book: In the town of The Tales, people communicate through stories. They call themselves word weavers. Mary Wordsmith is the daughter of the most revered word weaver of them all, yet she suffers through her third year of Novice Word Weaving. Mary thinks her troubles are over when she meets a gnome-elf who grants her a wish. But instead of weaving a better story, she's weaving strange yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales.

The Weaver is a lyrical tale with a little magic and a lot of storytelling. It is a finalist in the EPIC eBook Awards. Written for children 9 - 12 years old, but enjoyed by people of all ages.

I understand you wrote short fiction for magazines before you started writing full-length novels. How did the transition come about? Were these short stories for children?

Actually, I did start with novels, or rather a novel. My first novel came out of me and into the computer in an unusually fast pace. In fewer than two months, I created an epic middle grade fantasy of 85,000 words. I realized that might be a bit too long, but cutting all those clever words of mine proved difficult. I turned to short stories 1.) to keep me creating and happy while I edited – not my favorite part of writing and 2.) to learn economy of words. I dabbled in picture books for the same reason, but I’ve given up on picture book text for now. Eventually I trimmed that first novel down to 70,000 words, but it too is shelved for the time being.

Most of my writing is for children, though it used to be personal. For years I created poems or short prose for friends, coworkers or my husband as gifts. I’d print them on pretty paper, frame them and wrap them up fancy. Personalized and handmade gifts are so much fun to create (and receive).

What makes you passionate about writing for children and when did this passion begin?

Writing for children happened because I have four of my own. I don’t think I was very good at being a kid, myself, so when my children came along and showed me how much fun it could be, I learned to appreciate everything “kid.” Then when they started to read, it sort of unlocked my memories of how books helped steer my growth and maturity. I guess I hadn’t realized how important what you read is to your decision making abilities until I started seeing children’s books through my adult eyes. Suddenly I hungered to provide examples of how to have fun, how to play, how to be good at being a kid.

My ultimate goal with my writing is to provide a child an escape hatch from their reality. I want them to climb into someone else’s life where they don’t feel pressured to act nice or choose right from wrong. I want them to just piggyback the main character and imagine what it would be like to experience new and different things.

Congratulations on the publication of your middle-grade novel, The Weaver. What inspired you to write it?

Thank you. The Weaver was inspired by the name of my online critique group, Silver Web. I was sitting in front of my computer one day, casting around inside the cobwebs of my mind for a story idea. I had the main page of my critique group on my screen and we have this awesome web graphic. I thought, “Spiders weave webs like we weave stories. We’re word weavers.” That thought grew into me imagining living in a town where people speak in story.

Tell us something about your protagonist, Mary. What kind of girl is she and why do you think young readers will love her?

Poor Mary is suffering through her third year of Novice Word Weaving. At eleven years old, she stands head and shoulders taller than her eight year old classmates. To make matters worse, her mother is the most revered word weaver in town. When Mary meets a strange little creature that grants her a wish, she thinks her troubles are over. Except instead of weaving a better tale, she is weaving odd little yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales.

I wanted to create a character that wasn’t really different from her friends, but felt like she was nonetheless. I suspect that “not fitting in” is one of the number one worries of children (and many adults) so I think they will relate to poor Mary who worries that being an inept storyteller makes her stand out like a sore thumb. And they should really feel her plight when she is suddenly knitting strange yarn charms, which really do make her different.

What about the antagonist?

I want to continue to describe Mary here, but that wouldn’t be right, would it? However, there isn’t a direct antagonist in the story. Mary has two loving parents and very supportive and loyal friends. Even the odd little gnome-elf, Unwanted, tries to help her. She really is her own worst enemy.

Do you have a writing routine or any quirks, such as meditating, listening to music or some other thing?

I suppose I have several ways to circumvent monotony. If I have writer’s block, I read a book on the writing craft, which ALWAYS unsticks me. If I’m struggling with a pathetic lack of creativity, I change my location; tryout a new coffee shop, write at the library or a park if the weather is nice. Sometimes I listen to music, but it has to be instrumental only and preferably something I’m not too familiar with, otherwise I end up losing myself to the notes, the chords, the harmonies, the dissonance. I really love music.

I’d love to hear about the writing process for this novel. How long did it take you to write it? How many times did you edit it, etc.?

Please note that I am blushing while typing this. I can’t answer those questions. I don’t remember when I started this book. I wrote about ¾ of it and then got side tracked. I wrote a whole other novel before coming back to this one. It sat around for maybe a year. Anyway, the irony behind this story is that I stepped away from it when I couldn’t figure out how to bridge from the middle to the end. Eventually, I scolded myself because I had this perfectly good manuscript collecting dust on my hard drive. I told myself, “Just sit down and do the hard work.” In the end, that was the bridge my character needed in her story arc. She needed to sit down and do the hard work.

I don’t even remember how many passes I made during the editing process, but I know it is a very different book from its original form. I don’t use an outline so often my stories will head in a different direction than I originally intended. During editing I decide which I like better and rewrite accordingly.

Do you have any tips for aspiring children’s authors?

Love what you do and remember why you love it. Becoming a published author is difficult and discouraging, but don’t get caught up in that.

Read a lot of books written for the age group you want to write for. Immerse yourself in the text. Read so much you start talking like that or you dream it.

Writing a lot is important, but without good, objective feedback you probably won’t improve much. Find a critique group or partners that understand the genre and age you are writing for and that will point out the good and the bad and make suggestions on how to fix it. Then return the favor. You learn so much when you critique someone else’s work.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?

I’m thrilled to announce the sale of my middle grade novel, Save the Lemmings! to Featherweight Press. When Natalie’s Texty-Talky invention makes her an overnight sensation, the media digs until they find a way to smear her goody-goody image.

Look for publication in 2012.

Please visit my website and like my author page for more writing related news. Thanks for reading!

Thank you, Kai!

Interview with Nancy Stewart, author of Sea Turtle Summer

2011-12-06T01:06:00.000-08:00

Nancy is the bestselling author of the four Bella and Britt Series books for children: One Pelican at a Time (eighteen weeks on Amazon Bestselling List), Sea Turtle Summer, Bella Saves the Beach and Mystery at Manatee Key. All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

She and One Pelican at a Time and were featured in the PBS Tampa (WEDU) special, GulfWatch. Pelican was nominated for a Global eBook Award and has won the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
Nancy’s travels take her extensively throughout the world, most particularly Africa. She is US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education. She and her husband live in Tampa and St. Louis.

I understand you were a university professor teaching classes about children’s and young adult literature before you started writing. How did the leap from teacher to author come about?

I thought fleetingly about writing for children through my years as an academic, but it never seemed the right time. After teaching children’s and young adult literature, though, the idea crystallized. The day after my granddaughter, Leah, was born, I wrote my first children’s book, I Held You on the Day You Were Born. Since then I’ve never looked back, and those pent-up books flow faster than I would ever have expected. So, in a real way, Leah (who is now five) is the true catalyst behind my writing.

What makes you passionate about writing for children?

My entire academic career has been about children, from teaching young kids to teaching pre-service teachers. It was, I think, a natural segue to begin writing for them. The combination of my love of all things books and the real joy I feel about children and their growing awareness of new ideas led me to this passion.

Congratulations on the publication of your latest children’s picture book, Sea Turtle Summer. What was your inspiration for this story?

My morning walks on Clearwater Beach provide me with so many ideas, particularly for the Bella and Britt Series. With Sea Turtle Summer, I walked by a cordoned off area of the beach that contained a sea turtle nest. The orange tape and the affixed state seal warning about the serious consequences of tampering began the process in my mind.

Clearwater Beach, always voted one of the three best beaches in the world, is a sea turtle’s nightmare if she happens to lay her eggs there. There is so very much activity—from sun worshiping, to volleyball games, to kids’ digging sandcastles (hatchlings cannot get over them), the problem became defined. The tension was set up. All we needed was a sea turtle laying her eggs in an unfortunate place, and Bella and Britt were back on the job!

Tell us something about your protagonist, Bella. What kind of girl is she and why do you think young readers will love her?

Bella is a go-to girl. She thinks on her feet, is self-assured and makes things happen. Bella sees a problem and spares no time in trying to solve it. She, in fact, will not take no for an answer. This attitude can be tricky and fraught for a child dealing with an adult world, but Bella perseveres. She is an empowered kid and as such, I hope she’s a model for other kids who need that assurance.

What is the message of your book? Why do you think parents and educators should buy it for their children/students?

The message is two-fold. It is, of course, an ecology book for children. It will, I hope, help make children aware of the natural world and the responsibility they have for it. It also, as I mentioned above, is a book about empowerment. There are times when children do have the best answers, and navigating an adult milieu can be a sensitive issue. I hope that giving children permission to empower themselves will not stop with ecology but will help them stay safe and make good choices.

I understand you get up at dawn everyday and by 6am are already pounding away at your keyboard on the balcony of your beautiful, gulf-view Clearwater apartment. Tell us more about your writing schedule and writing process, especially for Sea Turtle Summer.

It is true that I’m at my computer around six each morning and has become a joke with friends who always look at the time I send or answer emails! I do find that time to be more productive for me than any other.
I’ve learned to parcel my days into bunches of hours, each bunch dealing with one area. For instance, my best creative writing is early in the morning. About mid-morning, I turn to marketing and do that several hours. Later in the day, I go back to writing, many times on a different manuscript. I tend to finish about 5 PM, but my computer is sometimes on my lap in the evening as well.

My blog does take some time almost daily. I publish new posts three times a week. I try to write them in groups and usually have seven or eight ready to go. I enjoy blogging and find writing for adults helps keep my mind focused in a different way. In that regard, it’s a worthwhile exercise.

What do you do when the words ‘just won’t come out’? Do you stay and force it until something begins happening on the page?

Free Association is the name of that game for me. I don’t fight writer’s block anymore. Rather, exercise or running errands or doing anything not related to writing helps greatly. When I’m disengaged from writing is usually when engagement happens. An idea, a notion, a nugget of a thought will pop into my consciousness and, as if by magic, the block is finished.

Do you have any tips for aspiring children’s authors?

Yes! Don’t write in a vacuum! Join a writer’s group—immediately. It is the best thing you can do for yourself. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is beyond valuable for the new writer, and local groups are everywhere.

Realize you have to promote your own book, and you must do it constantly. The days of sitting back and letting your publishing house do it are over! I have a friend whose name you’d recognize here. She’s had thirty two books children’s books published. Recently she told me that she still gives one day a month to marketing.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?

I’d be delighted to share my web and blog addresses and tell them where my books can be purchased.
Web site: http://www.nancystewartbooks.com
Blog site: http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com
The books are sold at: Guardian Angel Publishing, amazon.com, barnes & noble.com, Fictionwise and my web and blog sites, where you can obtain a personalized, autographed copy.

Thank you, Nancy!

Thank you so much, Mayra, for hosting me. I enjoyed being with you and your guests.

Listen to an audio interview with Nancy: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/across-the-pond.

Teach your kids English, Spanish and French at the same time

2011-12-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a holiday gift idea for your little girl or girls: My Sister is My Best Friend, by Nicole Weaver.

My Sister is My Best Friend is a children's picture book for ages 2 to 7 written in three languages: English, Spanish and French.

In this simple story, talented author Nicole Weaver takes us through the days of two twin sisters who are inseparable and do everything together: together they play, go to the park, chase after butterflies, help their mother, go to town, and eat ice-cream, among other activities. For each simple expression in English there's the equivalent in Spanish and French.

My Sister is My Best Friend is an upbeat, inspirational book for girls, especially sisters! The kind that will put a smile on their faces. The illustrations are bright and cheerful, a splash of color on the pages. Best of all, it's also educational because it teaches other languages. How can you go wrong?

The book has an Amazon rating of 5 stars (out of 11 reviews).

Winter Wonderland Giveaway: Win a Kindle Touch or $50 Amazon Gift Card!

2011-11-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Winter Wonderland Giveaway Event. We have partnered up with lots of different and wonderful bloggers to bring you some fabulous prizes, just in time for the Holiday Season!

Giveaway starts December 2nd at 12:01 AM EST to December 15th at 12:01 AM EST. Giveaway winners will be announced through the Rafflecopter widget and notified by email by the end of the day on December 17th, 2011. Winners must reply to email notification within 48 hours of delivery, or a new winner will be chosen.

Participating Blogs that made these giveaways possible:

Pink Dandy Chatter
Outnumbered Mama
PS Mom Reviews
Pawsitive Living
Spilled Milkshake
Thrifty Divas
Indiana Coupon Savings
Social Studies Momma
The Frugal Mom
Debs Dealz
Mamalou's Gems
Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
Disney Contests and Sweepstakes
$uper $avin' Momma
Personalized Sketches and Sentiments
Half-Pint House Handouts
Horseshoes
Chitown Cheapskate
Get Outta My Head Please
Capturing Magical Memories
Finger Click Saver
Tenuous Thoughts of Candy
Reading Teen
Sober Julie Doing Life
One Busy Moma
All In One Mom
Luv Saving Money
Jenny At Dapperhouse
My Secret Home
Black, Divorced and Virtuous
A Gal Needs...
Mommy2Nanny3Doggy1
Sweeping The USA
Between The Lines
Mommies and Beyond
Crunchy Beach Mama
Savin' It Up
Mayra's Secret Bookcase
The Working Writer's Club
Counting My Kisses
Lily's Laundry
Thrifty Mommas Tips
Yummy Boy Mummy

Celebrate Woman Today
As Mom Sees It

GIVEAWAY PRIZES:

* Winner will receive one Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display Kindle Touch

*This giveaway is open to the US Only

*There will be 1 winner chosen to win this giveaway

Meet Nicole Weaver, author of trilingual (English, French and Spanish) books for children

2011-11-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

Nicole Weaver speaks four languages fluently: English, Creole, French and Spanish. She teaches high school French and Spanish. She is the author of three trilingual books: Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle (2009), My Sister Is My Best Friend (November 2011), and My Brother Is My Best Friend (currently under contract).

Her book of short stories titled, My Birthday Is September Eleven and Other Short Stories was an Amazon bestseller top 100 for three weeks. For more information about Nicole please visit her sites: My Sister Is My Best Friend, My Birthday Is September Eleven, and Marie and her Friend the Sea Turtle.

Thanks for this interview, Nicole. Tell us, did you always want to be a writer?

No, I did want to be a writer. I had my heart set on being a translator and interpreter for the United Nations. I grew to like languages after learning English as a third language and later learning Spanish. I ended up taking Spanish my final year of high school because I wanted to drop a physics class. My guidance counselor gave me two choices: Stay in physics or replace it with another class. Well, lucky for me, the only class offered during physics was Spanish two honors. Even though I had never studied Spanish before, I took a gamble and switched to Spanish. Thus, began my true love affair with learning languages. Twenty-five years later, that decision has served me well. As a polyglot, I teach high school French and Spanish. Now, I have branched out by writing trilingual children books.

Congratulations on the release of your latest picture book, My Sister Is My Best Friend. What was your inspiration for it?

My newly published book: My Sister Is My Is My Best Friend is a trilingual story about two twin sisters who do everything together. I got inspired to write the story after meeting my half-sister Rachelle in 2008 for the first time.

I was very happy to have met her and sad that we did not grow up together. Since I have a vivid imagination, I began daydreaming about what it would have been liked to grow up with Rachelle. I had a blast writing the book because it helped me sort through some emotional situations. I do believe writing is great therapy for the soul.

Tell us about your children's books.

I have written three trilingual children’s picture book. My first book titled: Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle, My Sister Is My Best Friend, and a third book currently under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing titled My Brother Is My Best Friend.

M y first book is about Marie, a Haitian little girl who lives near the beach. The story tells the struggles Marie had as she helped the sea turtle back out to sea.

My Brother Is My Best Friend is similar to my newly released book My Sister Is My Best Friend. The book is about two twin brothers, who do everything together.

I have also written and published a book of short stories for middle school students titled: My Birthday Is September Eleven and Other Short Stories.

I am happy to announce that the book stayed on Amazon top 100 best-selling books for three weeks. The ebook version remained on the top bestselling list the weekend of nine eleven. Here is a review of the book: As a licensed psychologist with a specialty in children, parents often ask me to direct them to a book that they can read with their children. I have no problem sending parents to My Birthday is September Eleven and Other Short Stories. In this book, you will find stories about children with real-life struggles and how they find ways to cope with those problems. These stories present opportunities for parents and children to talk about what is happening in their own lives and possible solutions, while strengthening parent-child communication.

Some writers go on long walks; others keep a journal, write at a café, or listen to music. What do you do for inspiration and unleashing your creativity?

I do a variety of things. I listen to French and Spanish music. I like listening to Edith Piaf, Mirielle Mathieu, Charles Aznavour, Jacques Brel and Georges Moustaki.

My favorite Spanish singer is Julio Iglesias; I listen to him a lot. I also love classical music. Every so often, I do not mind listening to Italian operas.

Listening to the different genre of music evoke certain emotions that help bring my creativity to the surface.
Other times, I go to the library and read a zillion books.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a book for teens titled: Beauty and Other Traps.

I hope to publish it by December 1^st in time for the holidays. Here is the synopsis:

Meet Marie, a high school senior trapped in her mother’s web. She’s facing troubling changes. You will relate to her as Marie deals with her mother, step-dad, peers, and the prospect of graduating high school. Does hope lie ahead? Join her and find out.

I am also working on a chapter book titled: There’s Nothing Wrong with Being Smart.

The book is historical fiction based on the struggles of African American back in the 1960’s.

Where are your books available?

Link to purchase My Sister Is My Best Friend:
http://www.amazon.com/My-Sister-Best-Friend-Trilingual/dp/1616332093/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321714462&sr=1-7
Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle:
http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Her-Friend-Turtle-ebook/dp/B004LLIW8G/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=13217146
My Birthday Is September Eleven and Other Short Stories:
http://www.amazon.com/Birthday-September-Eleven-Stories-ebook/dp/B005DI493S/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_

For more information about Nicole, you can visit her sites:
http://nicole-weaver.com
http://mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com
http://marieanherfriendtheseaturtle.blogspot.com
http://mybirthdayiseptemberelven.blogspot.com

Mayra, thank you so much for interviewing me.

Thank you, Nicole! Best of luck with your books!

Two great chapter books for your children this Christmas

2011-11-25T01:09:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking for some great children’s books for your 6-9 year olds as part of their holiday gifts, I have two great suggestions for you: My Pet Show Panic by Betty G. Birney and SWITCH: Spider Stampede by Ross Colins, both from WHSmith’s Richard and Judy Collection.

Humphrey is a cute little hamster who lives in a classroom (Room 26) of Longfellow School. He gets to go home with a different student each weekend. His cage, however, has a ‘lock that doesn’t lock’ and so he’s able to sneak in and out in search of adventure. Of course, sometimes too much adventure can get you into trouble!

In this the first book in the Humphrey’s Tiny Tales series, our little hamster goes home with A.J., who has planned to take him to the Pet Show and is set on winning a prize. In the pet show, Humphrey notices that a box next to him seems to be getting a lot of attention. He tries to see what’s inside it, to no avail, so he decides to sneak out of his cage and take a look. Unfortunately, Clem the stinky dog is running around free and chases after him. Suddenly, Humphrey doesn’t care about winning a prize anymore—he’d much rather stay alive!

This is an absolutely adorable chapter book for kids ages 6 to 8. Humphrey is a character to fall in love with. Told in simple language for early and/or reluctant readers, the story is full of action and fun twists and turns that will keep kids turning pages. There’s a lot of lively, fun language and Humphrey’s distinct personality shines through. The simple line drawings are really cute and perfectly complement the text. At the end of the book there are plenty of activities to keep children entertained: word searches and grids, puzzles, games and jokes. This is a children’s book sure to get some new fans, so don’t be surprised if your child asks for more books in the series.

SWITCH: Spider Stampede by Ross Colins is also a chapter book but I’d say it is geared at kids who are more proficient in reading. It has more text than Humphrey’s Tiny Tales and will especially appeal to boys, if only because both protagonists are boys. It is certainly filled with the stuff that boy readers like most: nonstop action, spying and adventure, not to mention giant creepy crawlers and chemical potions with amazing capabilities.

Our protagonists are 8-year olds Danny and Josh, two brothers who live next door to a strange old woman—if we can call it an old women, for she happens to be a brilliant ‘mad’ scientist with a secret underground laboratory. One day, searching for their little dog Piddle, the two brothers accidentally end up in the lab doused in a weird yellow substance that later transform them into spiders… and so the real adventure begins as they try to stay alive against predators, figure out what happened to them and how to turn back into their human form.

SWITCH: Spider Stampede is sure to delight young readers ages 6 to 9. The lively line drawings will further get their attention. If you’re looking for a new chapter book series to hook your child with this holiday season, be sure to check this one out!

Check out the trailer for my latest book, The Doll Violinist!

2011-11-24T09:15:00.001-08:00

"Children's Literature Programs in the United States," by Emily Matthews

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Children’s literature sets the tone for a child’s future enjoyment of reading. Though a degree in children’s literature by no means is the gold standard by which writers should be judged, anyone who has pursued their craft in their higher education will tell you that intensive study can absolutely change the way you look at the world as your work. If you’re interested in learning more about masters degree programs in children’s literature, read on!

MA in Children's Literature at Simmons College

The Simmon's College Master's in Children's Literature offers an intense, interdisciplinary approach to the art. Students take a critical and historical approach to children's literature, and are asked for a wide range of interpretations such as feminist, marxist, and post-colonial. Classes include Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Fantasy and Science Fiction, and Folk and Fairy Tales, just to name a few.

Some students choose to finish the program in one year, but most decide to take five or six semesters to finish. At Simmons, students can also enroll in the "dual degree program," in which they can complete their masters degree in Children's Literature in addition to an MFA in Children's Literature, a Teaching Certification, or a degree from the Graduate School of Library and Information Science

MFA and MA in Children's Literature at Hollins University

Hollins University offers a creative program designed to make your work publishable and unique. The program always has a writer-in-residence. For 2012, Nancy Willard will take the position. She is the author of William Blake's Inn, as well as many other works. The program also provides students with a lecture series and visiting writers to stimulate creative work and productive discussion.

For the Hollins MFA, students must take ten courses, each of which are worth four credits. The MA students must take eight courses, also worth four credits each. For the final thesis project, MFA students will present an original work of fiction, poetry or drama. MA students must produce an extended work of critical analysis.

MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College

The Vermont College MFA brings students to the picturesque forests outside Montpelier, Vermont. Most of the program consists in independent study projects, in which students work with faculty outside class. This is possible because there is a small student-to-faculty ratio (5:1). The college's writer-in-residence program is vibrant; this year they will have David Macaulay.

At Vermont College, students can complete their Children's Literature degree at the same time as an MFA in Writing degree. Additionally, the program publishes a literary journal, "Hunger Mountain," to provide professional experience in the publishing world.

Those interested in pursuing children’s literature at the graduate level have ever more choices than those above. Keep researching, and you’re bound to find a program that fits all your needs perfectly.

Emily Matthews is currently applying to master’s degree programs across the U.S., and loves to read about new research into health care, gender issues, and literature. She lives and writes in Seattle, Washington.

Does your little girl or someone you know play the violin?

2011-10-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Please consider my newly released picture book, The Doll Violinist, as a gift for her this Christmas!

Here's a short blurb:

Five days before Christmas, Emma is captivated by a doll in a shop window. Each day, she sneaks out of the orphanage to check if it’s been sold, but the shop owner, Madame Dubois, sends her away. Will the magic of Christmas bring Emma, Madame Dubois, and the doll violinist together?

*ABC's Children's Picture Book Finalist!
*Honorable Mention Award in the 75th Annual Writers Digest Writing Competition!

The book is available in paperback, hardcover, ebook and soon as an Apple app with audio!

The publisher's link is: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/doll-violinist.htm

Thanks!

Mayra

Book Review: The Adventures of Zeppi: New Friends (book 1)

2011-10-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

The Adventures of Zeppi: New Friends (book 1)

By C.K. Omillin

Blurb.com

Children’s picture book, 24 pages, $15.55

www.omillinplanet.com

In the middle of the night, a mysterious red truck races down Happy Town. Its cargo? Cages filled with penguins on their way to be shipped to another country. Suddenly the doors fling open and one cage rolls down the street and lands in a garden. From it, a little penguin steps out fearfully, awed at the world around him. Up until now, he has only known the constraints of the zoo.

In the morning, a boy named Alesdor discovers him and decides to keep him. Naturally, they immediately click and become the best of friends. Though the little penguin, Zeppi, is heartbroken from being separated from the rest of his family, he finds warmth and affection in Alesdor, who is as anxious for a friend as his new companion.

This children’s book by first-time Belgian author C.K. Omillin put a smile on my face throughout; not only because it’s about a penguin (and who doesn’t love penguins?), but because the story is sweet and weaves elements of friendship, family and ecological, planet-friendly values. This is the first instalment in The Adventures of Zeppi series and the beginning of their escapades. The adorable illustrations in soft pastel colors complement the story perfectly. This isn’t the standard picture book for 3-7 year olds that has short text and includes artwork on almost every page, but rather a picture book for slighter older kids (ages 6-9), who can handle longer stories. Still, there are 13 illustrations in this book, many of them spot illustrations.

I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The Adventures of Zeppi is sure to become a favourite of children, especially those who love penguins. C.K. Omillin is definitely an author to keep your eye on.

Find out more at www.omillinplanet.com.

Read my interview with author C.K. Omillin on Blogcritics.

How to Get Started as a Picture Book Author

2011-10-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

10 Tips on How to Get Started as a Picture Book Author

By Mayra Calvani

I love writing picture books. They’re like quick candy. I love the rush of finishing a complete first draft in one sitting. For this reason, I’m always writing new picture books while I work on a long novel. However, writing picture books and getting them published take a lot of hard work, persistence and determination. It isn’t only about talent—though that is important, too.

In this article, I’ll give you ten tips on how to get started as a picture book author.

1. Dream big.

It starts with a dream. When you dream, you set your intention. This makes the wheel of the universe start turning in your direction.

Imagine yourself receiving the call from an agent or editor. Imagine yourself signing your first contract, your hand trembling with excitement over the page. Imagine yourself as a published author, doing a signing at your local Barnes & Noble, the line of fans reaching all the way out to the street. Imagine yourself accepting a prestigious literary award in front of a huge, clapping audience.

Never stop dreaming.

2. Read critically.

A lot. I’m not talking about 2 or 3 picture books a month. I’m talking about going to the library each week and reading at least a dozen books. I’m talking about planning a 2-3 hour reading marathon each month and gobbling up 30 books in one sitting. How much do you want to become a published author? That’s how much you’ll have to read.

Pay special attention to the techniques and formats of published picture book authors. What is the point of view of the story? How soon is the conflict introduced? How bad does it get for the character? What strong verbs does the author use? How does the character solve the problem? How is the message or theme of the story presented to the reader? Is there a twist at the end?

Great writing is always great writing, but keep in mind that styles and trends change and this applies to picture books. Older picture books written twenty or thirty years ago will usually have a lot more ‘telling’ and exposition than what is accepted today. If you want to know what editors want these days, focus on those books written within the last five years or so.

3. Study the craft.

Writing great picture books isn’t only a skill. It’s an art form. How do you expect to write a publishable story if you don’t know its elements, if you’ve never studied the craft? Can you drive a car blindfolded? Can you pass a calculus exam if you’ve never studied the subject? Just being a mother or grandmother doesn’t qualify you as a children’s writer.

· Study books on the subject. Writing Picture Books, Ann Whitford Paul, and Picture Writing, by Anastasia Suen, are two books you should thoroughly dissect and keep on your shelf. There are others, but in my opinion, these two are the best.

· Take an online class or a course. Anastasia Suen, author of over 100 children’s books, offers an intensive picture book workshop on her website, http://www.asuen.com/workshops/w.pb.shtml. Another great place to check out for courses is the Institute of Children’s Literature at http://www.institutechildrenslit.com.

The art of writing picture books, or any type of books, for that matter, is an ongoing process. Be prepared to keep learning, improving and evolving as a writer all your life.

4. Write.

Preferably everyday, but if that’s not possible, strive for a minimum of 2-3 writing sessions a week. Make a habit. The more you write, the easier it becomes and the better it gets. Can a violinist get better at playing by practicing only a few times a year? Can a runner win the gold medal by running only a few miles a month? (And yes, getting published by a top NY house IS like winning a gold medal!)

Writing isn’t any different. Don’t obsess over one single story. I’ve known aspiring authors who’ve been working on the same story for years without writing any new ones. Editing is essential, but so is producing new work if you want to succeed as a published author. Besides, editors and agents don’t like one-work authors. If an editor or agent becomes interested in your manuscript, then asks “So what else do you have,” what are you going to say: “Hmm, nothing” or “I have completed and polished 5 other stories.”

5. Edit.

We all know the saying, “Great work isn’t written. It’s rewritten.” It’s absolutely true. After writing a first draft, put it aside for a while (at least 3 weeks) so you can distant yourself from it. Then go back to it and edit it.

As a writer, you’re your own worst editor, which is why it is so important to have a set of objective eyes look over your manuscript—but, please, not your mother or sister or best friend (unless they’re published authors and knowledgeable in the craft). Join a critique group especially for picture books. A middle-grade or YA writer may not be familiar with the elements that make a great picture book (more about critique groups below).

Always strive for great. Don’t settle for good or very good. That’s not enough in the competitive field of picture book publishing.

6. Submit.

If you don’t submit, your manuscript will never see publication. Don’t be afraid of rejection. Most published writers get a lot of rejections. I’ve probably gotten 1,000 rejections in the last ten years. Let rejections empower you and make you stronger as a writer. Use rejections as a motivational tool and let them infuse you with positive anger. Every time you get a rejection, slam your fist on the table and say, “I’ll show them!”

7. Plan.

Okay, so you have set your goal: to become a picture book author. Now, work out a plan to make it work and stick to it. Design what your writing, editing and submitting schedule will be like. Having a plan will help keep you focused. Start your writing week without having a clear picture of what you’ll be working on and you’ll find yourself wasting precious time and wondering about the million other things you should be doing instead of writing.

Not planning ahead is the perfect ingredient for low productivity, procrastination and writer’s block. I write on weekdays and take a break on weekends, so every Sunday I plan in advance what I’ll be doing that week. When Monday morning arrives, I know exactly where to start. I don’t have to waste time wondering about it.

8. Cut Off the Internet.

The Internet (including emailing) is one of the most—of not the most—distracting things for an author. Be sure to switch it off during your writing sessions. Use the Internet as a reward, after you’ve finished working. How do you expect to focus if you go online or check emails every few minutes while you write?

9. Join a support group.

· Join a club such as the Children’s Writers Coaching Club, http://www.cwcoachingclub.com. You’ll not only profit from weekly critiques and audio classes, but also from a vastly supportive group of fellow children’s writers.

· Join children’s writing groups such as Childrens-Writers. You can interact with other children’s writers, share information and resources, and ask questions about the industry and all aspects of writing for children. Check it out here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/childrens-writers/?yguid=74030160

· Join a critique group that specializes in picture books. A picture book has its own set of ‘rules’ that writers of young adult or middle-grade fiction may not know about. These writers may give you the wrong advice and even hurt your writing. Also, if possible, try to find a critique group that has both beginners and more experience writers. Chances are you won’t get great feedback from total beginners because you’re all in the same boat, whereas more experienced writers will know exactly what to look for in your manuscript. If you join Childrens-Writers (see previous paragraph), you can post a message to the group asking if there are any critique group openings.

· Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). This is the organization to join if you’re serious about becoming a children’s writer.

Benefits include local chapters and critique groups, conferences, an online forum, and The Bulletin, which comes out every two months and is packed with articles and submission information, among other things. Check it out here: http://www.scbwi.org.

10. Subscribe to Newsletters.

There are two newsletters worth subscribing to. One is Children’s Writer, http://www.childrenswriter.com, put out by the Institute of Children’s Literature. The other one is Children’s Book Insider, http://write4kids.com.

These publications will keep you up to date about the world of children’s publishing, current trends, submission calls, as well as offer writing tips.

Yes, it takes a lot of hard work to become a children’s picture book author, but the rewards are immense. If you’re committed enough and determined enough, you can do it.

15 Benefits of Reviewing for Aspiring Children’s Authors

2011-10-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

If you’re an aspiring children’s author, the benefits of reviewing children’s books are enormous. If you already review books, you know how true this is.  

When you review books…  

1. You learn about the craft of writing because you get to identify both the weaknesses and strengths of a book. You learn what works and what doesn’t, and eventually you become more apt in avoiding amateurish mistakes when you write your own books. You can do this because you’re able to look at someone else’s book objectively, something that it’s hard to do with your own writing. In this sense, reviewing can make you a better writer and a better judge of literature.  

2. Your writing becomes easier and better. Reviewing is writing, after all, and the more you write, the better it gets. Reviewing helps to hone your skills as a word builder.   

3. Your thinking skills become sharper because you have to ponder and reflect on why you liked or disliked a book. This sometimes takes keen perception.  

4. You become familiar with publishers and the type of books they publish. This is especially helpful if you review in the genre that you write in and if you’re looking for places to submit your work.   

5. You become familiar with agents and the type of books they like to represent. How do you know this? Most authors thank their agents in the acknowledgements page.   

6. You network with other authors who in the future might help you promote your book. Authors are very thankful to reviewers for taking the time to review their books, especially if the reviews are positive.
 
7. You develop an online presence, a platform. If you have an attractive blog where you post honest, intelligently written reviews, eventually you’ll build a good reputation as a serious reviewer and readers, publishers, authors and publicists will want to become your followers. Having lots of followers will instantly make you more attractive in the eyes of a publisher when you submit your book for consideration.  

8. You develop an identity as an expert, especially if you review in the same genre you write in. For example, if you review only young adult novels, and you write reviews often enough, soon you’ll acquire a thorough knowledge of the genre and what’s new out there, and your reviews will become more insightful because you’ll be able to compare works by different authors who write in the same genre. It’s difficult to become an expert in all genres, but this is doable in one genre if you’re dedicated enough.   

9. You may land a contract with a publisher. This happened recently to one of the reviewers at one of the sites I review for. Her reviews were so well and thoughtfully written, they caught the eye of a publisher. They asked if by any chance she had a manuscript around. Well, she did and the publisher ended up offering her a contract!  

10. You can build yourself a pretty nice library if you’re one of those reviewers who read and review quickly. I know some reviewers who review several books a week.

11. You’ll discover authors you didn’t even know existed. Review blogs are especially attractive to small press authors and publishers because they usually have trouble getting reviewed by the big publications.

12. You build relationships with publicists who work at major publishing houses. Once they’ve come to trust you as a serious reviewer, you can request those books you’re most interested in.   

13. You get to feed your addiction—for free!

14. You can build a resume with publishing credits. They will come very handy when you start sending out those queries to agents and publishers.

15. You can eventually get paid by submitting your reviews to those sites and publications that pay their contributors.

As you can see, book reviewing can be extremely beneficial for aspiring authors. What are you waiting for? Take out your book, pen and paper, and start reviewing. All you need is a love of books and a passion for words!

Five Tips for a More Marketable Children's Book Manuscript

2011-10-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

The world of children’s picture book publishing is extremely competitive. If you’re an aspiring children’s author, you need to make sure your manuscript is in excellent shape and has all the elements editors and agents look for before you begin the submission process.

Here are five tips to make your picture book manuscript more marketable:

Start right with the problem.

Many times beginner writers begin a picture book with back-story. It’s okay to have this back-story in the first draft, but be sure to get rid of it when you edit. Back-story is unnecessary 90% of the time and it only serves to slow down the beginning of a story, making it weaker. You want to grab the reader right from the start. So don’t be afraid to begin your story at the heart of the problem. It’s okay to set the stage with a sentence or two—but no more!

Have a protagonist readers can relate to.

Generally, children like to listen to stories about other children or animals with children’s characteristics. They don’t want to hear about a grandma or grandpa looking back to the time when they were young. Create characters kids can identify with. When readers can identify with the protagonist, they are drawn into the story and become emotionally involved with it.

Make sure the problem fits the age group.

Be sure your protagonist is facing a problem young readers can relate to. If they can’t relate to it, they won’t care. Losing a toy or losing mommy, being lost, having a tooth pulled out, going to the hairdresser for the first time, having too many freckles, planning a first party... these are all problems kids can identify with. Sure, these subjects have been done a million times. But so what? By creating a new angle about a familia topic, you can give the topic your own fresh and original slant.

Add rising action.

Rising action creates tension—the good stuff that keeps readers glued to the story, turning those pages. After you have created the first big problem for the protagonist, and as he tries to solve it, toss a couple more obstacles into his path to make readers wonder what’s going to happen next. The more readers care about the character’s predicament, the more compelling they’ll find the story.

Leave them with a punch.

Endings are always important, no matter what the genre. But they’re especially important in picture books. Once the protagonist solves the problem and everything falls into place, you must find a way to make the ending memorable. This can be achieved by adding an unexpected twist or by having the character say or do something witty. At the same time, it must feel natural, a perfect and logical progression that has evolved organically with the story. This can be hard to achieve. Try different possibilities until you get that “Aha!” feeling. Don’t be afraid to come up with crazy, over-the-top ideas while you brainstorm.

Keeping these tips in mind when creating your children’s stories will help you make them more marketable and appealing to editors and agents. Like with any craft, writing for children is a never ending learning process. I hope you’ll keep at it and enjoy the journey.

Meet Charlotte K. Omillin, author of The Adventures of Zeppi

2011-10-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

After a career in the corporate world, Charlotte K. Omillin decided to dedicate her time to writing and illustrating stories for children. She’s the author of The Adventures of Zeppi series. A lover of nature and the environment, Omillin interweaves the ecological theme in her series. In it, Zeppi the penguin and his friends learn how to take care of our planet.

Over the years, Omillin has attended several Academies of Arts in Belgium for drawing, painting, and film animation courses. In addition, she’s been a member of several critique groups. She also writes for young adults. You may contact the author at omillinplanet@gmail.com. Download free coloring pages of Zeppi at http://theadventuresofzeppi.wordpress.com.

Thanks for this interview, Charlotte! It’s a pleasure to have you here to talk about your new series for kids. What was your inspiration for Zeppi? How would you describe him?

I once knew a little boy who was crazy about penguins and I made up stories for him. After each tale he asked me, “What happens next?” That’s when I started structuring my ideas and writing down the tales.

Who is Zeppi? He’s a young Adelie penguin born in a zoo. That’s the only environment he knows, surrounded by his parents and his penguin buddies. Zeppi is good hearted and friendly but also curious, impulsive, and a little opinionated. As he tends to know everything, he gets easily entangled in complicated situations and then learns at his own expense. Young Zeppi is impatient to live and speak like humans. His ecological-minded friend, Alesdor, shows him how easy it is to respect planet Earth.

Zeppi also loves to sing and to eat desserts (anything with chocolate will do!).

Zeppi sounds adorable and I love the ‘green’ angle in your series. I understand the first two books in The Adventures of Zeppi have been published. Tell us a little about the stories and what ties them together.

Zeppi is rescued by a boy, Alesdor, who believes a miracle happened the day he found a penguin in his backyard. So he decides to keep his new friend and hides him in his tepee.

Zeppi and ecological-minded Alesdor will adopt each other and grow together. The stories are also about friendship and acceptance of others’ differences.

Throughout the adventure series, Zeppi becomes an eco-friendly-penguin. Young readers will understand how fun and easy it is having the ‘green attitude’. Children say they’re ready to change their habits but don’t like the negative way the environment issues are presented to them.

I agree with that last statement. What are the reading level and target audience for the series?

It would say children aged 5-8 years old. Parents and teachers, who are sensitive preserving our planet, will enjoy the books too.

How many books will there be in the series?

There are 24 adventure stories. The first two are already published, and I’m actually working on the illustrations of book number three.

Wow, you must be busy 24/7! That’s a lot of books. Let’s talk about books 1 & 2. I understand that, besides writing the stories, you also did the artwork. Can you describe what your creative process was like? Did you write the stories first or did you do the art as you wrote them?

Yes, I really wanted to do the artwork myself as I have a clear picture of Zeppi in my mind.

As I said before, I made up the stories for a little boy. Then, after seeing a documentary on Antarctica and penguins, I had a bad dream. A little penguin got captured and was separated from his buddies. He was honking, honking, honking in his cage trying to get out. I woke up, wrote the story, and made a few sketches of Zeppi. Then I had to invent the locations for the stories. I drew a huge map with all the towns Zeppi discovers during his stay with Alesdor. The map was a help to invent the 24 tales.

Where are the books available for purchase?

The books and notebooks are available on: http://www.blurb.com/user/store/kath_dem and www.omillinplanet.com.

Do you have a website where readers may learn more about you and Zeppi?

Yes, my website is www.omillinplanet.com and that’s also the blog where Zeppi publishes his green tips whenever he has time and isn’t gone somewhere on an adventure.

Why do you think most people love penguins?

There’s a mutual fascination between children and penguins. When I started drawing Zeppi, I made a visit to the zoo to observe and study the penguins’ postures and movements. I’d arrived early at the zoo to take pictures before the crowd arrived. But the penguins were sleeping and I just sat there drawing and hoping one of them would wake up and wobble around. A half hour later, I decided to leave when high pitched voices of a group of children woke up the penguins. The children glued their faces to the aquarium glass. And the magic happened! The penguins had their favorite audience. A few penguins jumped in the water showing off their swimming performances, making circles in the water, and jumping out again. Others waddled around ruffling their feathers. The more the children shouted the more the penguins showed off. The accompanying adults had as much fun as the children. I think penguins are so likeable.

That’s a cute story, Charlotte! It seems penguins love an audience. Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?

In fact, I would love your readers to share their thoughts on Zeppi and on his efforts to become an ecolo-friendly penguin. I’ll answer all e-mails sent to Zeppi’s site www.omillinplanet.com, or directly to my e-mail: omillinplanet@gmail.com

Thank you, Mayra for your interest in Zeppi.

Thank you, Charlotte, and best of luck with the series. Sounds like a winner!

Note to readers: Do you have or know a child who loves penguins? Don’t forget to download free coloring pages of Zeppi at http://theadventuresofzeppi.wordpress.com/

Children's Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Instilling Good Behavior through Actions and Stories - September 2011 Issue

2011-09-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Donna McDine, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Angel Kids Ezine

Email: submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com

Website: http://guardian-angel-kids.com

For Immediate Release

Children's Ezine Guardian Angel Kids: Instilling Good Behavior through
Actions and Stories - September 2011 Issue

Teaching our children good behavior habits is often more effective through
example rather than preaching to them, for actions are louder than words. By
praising children for good behavior, it often leads to higher self-esteem
resulting in a positive outlook on their life and their surroundings.

Engage your children with everything "good behavior" in the September issue
of Guardian Angel Kids Ezine through poetry, stories, activities, a quiz,
and articles at <http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/>
http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com. We also invite you to stay connected
with Guardian Angel Kids through our Facebook Fan Page
<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Angel-Kids-Ezine/163785080346247>
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Angel-Kids-Ezine/163785080346247

Letter from the POETRY editor: Donna J. Shepherd

Featured Books:

A Pocketful of Manners by Marilee Crow and illustrated by K.C. Snider

Monster Maddie by Susan Stephenson and illustrated by K.C. Snider

Children'S poetry, SHORT STORIES, and articleS:

"Extra Tall," by Tracy Helixon - the tower of blocks tempts little hands.

"Your Turn, My Turn," by Claudia Ann Sodaro - counting time through behavior
tips.

"The Lost Penlight," by Evelyn Horan and illustrated by Julie Hammond - the
importance of thinking through before accusing someone of a misdeed.

"Do You Always Share?" by Suzanne Purvis and illustrated by Rosemarie Gillen
- explores unselfish behavior towards new and old friends.

"Note-Worthy Behavior," by Kelly Bakshi - offers a creative and fun way to
involve others in recognizing a child's positive behavior.

"Three Tips for a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference," by Dorit Sasson -
the return of September brings school and parent-teacher conferences. Sasson
offers up essential tips in making the next parent-teacher conference a
success.

Featured Drawing, Games & Activities:

Draw yourself being good with Painting Board - PAINT page

Featured Games from Books - GAME page

Please feel free to drop Editor-in-Chief, Donna McDine an email at
submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com>
submissions@guardian-angel-kids.com and let them know what you think of
Guardian Angel Kids and what you'd like to see in the future. They aim to
please!

We look forward to your visit. Thank you for your time and interest.

###

Interview with Nicole Weaver, author of My Birthday is September Eleven and Other Short Stories

2011-08-24T07:11:00.001-07:00

Nicole Weaver was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish and English. She is a veteran teacher of French and Spanish at the high school level. Her second trilingual children’s book titled, My Sister is My Best Friend will be published by Guardian Angel Publishing in the fall. She is also the author of a trilingual picture book titled, Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle. She recently published a kindle ebook titled, My Birthday is September Eleven and Other Short Stories.

What compelled you to write a collection of children's stories about 9/11?

I have a friend whose nephew was born on 9/11. He will turn ten on 9/11. His birthday always has an undercurrent of sadness to it. After hearing about him, I began to wonder about all the children that were born on that day. The story is designed to give a ray of hope to all those children who were born on that horrible day.

I lived in New York and during the summers I worked as a summer intern at one of the twin towers. It is still very hard for me to accept that 9/11 really happened.

What would you say is the age range for the readers?

The stories are geared for 6-8 graders.

What do you hope your book will teach children?

I hope children will learn that there is always someone worse off than them. The main lesson I want children to learn is the need to have compassion for others.

Do you have other books published?

Yes, I have a trilingual children’s picture titled: Marie and her Friend the Sea Turtle/Maria y su Amiga la Tortuga del Mar. I have a second trilingual book due to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing fall 2011 titled: My Sister is My Best Friend and a third book under contract: My Brother is My best Friend.

What do you love most about writing for children?

I love inspiring children and encouraging them to appreciate other cultures and languages.

I understand your son is on the cover of the story collection. How did that come about?

My cover designer made the suggestion to use my own photo. After perusing my picture selection I came across the photo my oldest took of our youngest son while vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Do you have a website and blog?

Yes I do. For more information readers can visit:

My Sister Is My Best Friend Blog:
http://mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com

Marie and her Friend the Sea Turtle Blog:
http://marieandherfriendtheseaturtle.blogspot.com

Websites:
http://outskirtspress.com/nicoleweaver
http://www.melangeofcultures.wordpress.com
http://nicole-weaver.com

Interview with Liesel Soley, author of Can You Be an Artist?

2011-08-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Liesel Soley, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music and Fulbright scholar in Paris, France, is a professional violinist. Soley has performed solo recitals in the U.S. and France and was the violinist in the piano trio, Trio Viva. She has taught violin at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City and violin and viola at St. Petersburg College and the Pinellas County Center for the Arts in St.Petersburg, Florida.

Presently, Liesel Soley shares her love for music with children, as well as adults in Clearwater, Florida where she teaches violin, viola, and chamber music privately and in an after-school program at Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg.

Soley has found a welcome relief from the very disciplined, intensive, and time-consuming work with the violin in her other artistic means of expression; writing, painting and drawing.

Congratulations on the publication of your children’s book, Can You Be an Artist? What got you into writing?

My first writing was when I was in Paris on a Fulbright Grant. I was struggling with the violin and life, and one day when it was very difficult to approach the violin, I just started to write some poetry with no expectations or standards to meet. This took place over a period of about two weeks. It was a kind of a relief and my morale went way up. The poems remained in my violin case for 44 years! I couldn't quite throw them away.

Then several years ago my family requested I send them personal things I had created which resulted in putting together CDs of some of my solo violin and piano trio performances, a book of my paintings, and Yes! - those poems mentioned above along with some very short stories I wrote up about playing violin in the streets which I had been telling for years! Yes, even though I am a Juilliard graduate, I have hit the streets and had some interesting and fun experiences in the streets of New York, London, and Paris! Some of my friends look aghast at some of the things I do. I just laugh!

So, this brings me to the children's book I just completed. During the summer some of my students disappear, going to camps and on vacation, so it was either do something creative or sit around and mope because of a lack of work.
"Can YOU Be an Artist?" came into being!

What was your inspiration for Can You Be an Artist?

Working with my violin students and seeing total transformations take place, sometimes quickly and sometimes over a period of years.The violin is extremely challenging and it takes tremendous discipline and persistence to play well. To see the confidence, the self-esteem, the growth of students developing as a result of participating in the arts is rewarding and exciting. Taking part in orchestras, recitals, and competitions can give such a sense of accomplishment to these youngsters. Although I have mostly seen this as a musician, I know that students in all the arts tend to excel in other areas as well, such as in school. Individuals who express themselves through the arts, who create, are happier and more successful. I know this with absolute certainty and wanted to express this.

What message you hope readers will get from your book?

As indicated in my authors note, one can create in many ways, "--- If one truly creates beauty and quality in what one does and if this translates to others one is actively being an artist."

Also - Dare To Follow Your Dreams! Dare To Be Yourself! Dare to Be Free!!

Tell us about what your writing process was like for this book. Did you outline it first? Did you edit it as you went along?

The structure, using the three different art forms and the three kids just popped up. I mocked it up very quickly. As I have a number of Korean students I wanted one of the kids to be Korean. Each child was very real to me. Because I was able to be Freddie, or Honey, or Bae it was easy to write their feelings, about their families etc. Using the first person for them seemed very natural.The few word changes or added took place after the writing was done as a whole.

You also illustrated the book. Give us a glimpse into the mind of the author/illustrator persona? Did you write the story first and later illustrate it?

The writing was done first although I had illustrations in mind. There was an original mock-up of the book with far fewer illustrations than in the completed published book. A number of people had commented that there were too few illustrations, too many words per page, that the colors were weak and there were not enough details for kids. I agreed, so the next summer (2010) I decided to handle the things that were not ok and complete the book.

It was very difficult for me. I added 12 more drawings and totally changed all the existing ones except for 2, and even those I had to do all over because the paper was different!

I would lie awake at night mocking up the next illustration - hardly slept for 2 months. I was excited and determined to finish within two months before the school season started. The work was intense. I mocked up the illustrations easily but when it came to the execution of the drawings in terms of enough color it drove me nuts. I would create the drawing rather quickly then invariably at a certain point I would have exactly what I wanted but not enough color and I would stop and move on to the next illustration! I did not have the certainty and courage to do full color right off! I was afraid I would mess up on those tiny little lines or dots or whatever, like with expressions on faces, and that I would have to do the whole picture over again!

O Man, I ended up going over these illustrations three times - the entire picture 3 times - each time adding another layer of color, each time in more agony than the previous time! It was awful! I was an idiot!

I am laughing at the whole experience. Not being trained in painting, drawing, or illustrating, this was more than a learning experience! It was literally painful! I was doing these drawings leaning over the dining room table with a lot of weight on my left arm and hand pressing down on the table while I meticulously (and gingerly!) proceeded to work with my right hand. A little before the end of the 2 months I felt like a cripple! I could not play the violin for over 2 weeks! Next time it is full color on the first shot!!! and with a decent set up!

What made you decide to publish your book with Book Publishers Network?

I had used a POD place for the book of my paintings and although I was very happy with the results it was a lot of keeping at it to get exactly what I wanted. For my book with the poems and short stories about playing in the streets I used Apple. It was nice - but expensive.

I wanted a publisher that had a team of experts, someone with whom I could communicate easily and someone who would get the job done quickly. Sheryn Hara with Book publishers Network had been recommended by an author/illustrator acquaintance as being very good for first time authors with plenty of experience and expertise and she really cared for her authors. She sent me samples of children's books which I really liked. She was exactly what I wanted. She was hooked up with a fine printer so my book was completed!

Also, I wanted a wider audience for this book- not just family and friends.

What was the publishing process like?

Things moved along very well. Sometimes there would be suggestions but my needs and wants as an artist were totally respected. It was suggested I use some kind of border around the pictures and a number were shown to me but I really did not want that and that was totally accepted. I groaned when Sheryn Hara said the cover of the book which I had done needed to be jazzed up. I told her I did not want anyone else doing any of the art work. She immediately said none of the art work would be disturbed - just the background would be made more alive. I was sent a number of possibilities and love the one I chose. I find it very aesthetic and am glad my publisher pushed me in that respect.

I was glad not one word of my writing was changed. There would have been a fight if changes had been wanted. Punctuation had to be handled! No problem! Book Publishers Network is hooked up with a fine printer and the book was completed!

What is your schedule like? How do you balance your violinist, music instructor, artist, and writer personas?

At this time in my life I am primarily teaching violin, viola and chamber music, but my involvement in my other arts has increased considerably! I teach privately at my home 7 days a week and 3 afternoons in an after school program at Shorecrest . There are music teachers meetings to attend, and recitals and competitions to arrange. Add to that violin presentations and now book signings and work on PR. I also have arranged to have some of my young students perform at book stores and libraries where I have book signings. Things are busy! The short answer to your question is - I am very focused on what I am doing at any given moment, and I work hard 7 days a week. I thrive on lots of fast action!

Do you have tips for unleashing and nurturing one’s creativity?

Sure - find something you have really wanted to do and START! Be true to yourself, maintain your integrity and do not let others throw you. Go at your own pace, keep it light and have FUN! If it is not always fun -well, so what!

Are you working on another book? What’s on the horizon for you?

Not at the moment, but I have a couple in mind. I am not setting a timetable. I have a way of doing things spontaneously at the right time for me. The future looks interesting, challenging and fun. And there are definitely unknowns! I like it that way.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers?

Yes, I would love to hear from you - to know if my book has inspired you or your children or your grandchildren. Also, I would be delighted to have you visit my web site and be in communication with me.

New Children's Book Invites Children into the World of the Arts

2011-07-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

Dare to follow your dreams!

Dare to be yourself!

Dare to be free!

This is the premise of Liesel Soley's inspiring children's picture book, Can You Be an Artist?

Freddie, Honey and Bae are so different culturally speaking, yet they're so alike at the same time. They all have one thing in common: they have a big dream and they believe in making that dream a reality. Freddie wants to become a violinist. He sees himself playing in a string quartet and starts practicing everyday. Honey wants to become a painter. She sees her paintings in other people's homes and begins to experiement with colored pencils and oil paints. Bae wants to become a dancer. He sees himself dancing in his home country and starts taking dance lessons. As they channel their creative energies, their behavior and work at school begin to excel.

Can You Be an Artist? is a celebration of dreams and the arts. Using an engaging, simple prose and without preaching, the author presents snapshots of Freddie's, Honey's and Bae's lives to encourage young minds to have dreams and goals and to take the steps to make those dreams come true. The book is an invitation into the world of the arts. The adorable illustrations, done in colored pencils, are filled with detail and depict beautiful scenes both indoors and outdoors. I especially loved the illustrations of flowers, gardens, animals, trees and the seasons.

This is a wonderful book that introduces children to the arts and unleashes their creativity. Especially if your child already has expressed an interest in playing an instrument, painting or dancing, this book will give them an invaluable proactive message: dreams don't become a reality by themselves; it's vital to work and practice in order to grow as an artist.

Liesel Soley is a professional violinist, a music instructor, and also an artist. You can check out her website at www.lieselsoley.com. This is her first children's book.

Soley will be signing copies of her book at Barnes and Noble in Clearwater on Sat. Aug 6 from 10 until noon. The address is: 23654 US 19 North, Clearwater FL 33765.

Alexandra Sokoloff Pens Thriller Novel for Young Adults

2011-07-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sixteen-year old Anna Sullivan is an outsider at her high school. Quiet and shy, as well as cursed with a tortuous family past, she can’t hope to attract the attention of popular Tyler Marsh, for whom she has a crush. How could a girl like her, a girl with a low social status, an alcoholic father and a mother who abandoned her, dare hope anything at all in life?

Then the nightmares begin... nightmares of a horrible massacre at school...

What do these dreams mean? Is Anna somehow having a glimpse of the future?

Things get more confusing when she realizes Tyler is having the same dreams. In fact, he seems to be sharing the same dreams with her, at the same time. Thus begins Anna and Tyler’s dark relationship as together they try to decipher the meaning of the nightmares and in doing so discover their connection to quantum physics and multiple parallel dimensions.

I’m a huge fan of Sokoloff and have read all of her books. I was thrilled to read this her first young adult novel, which, in my opinion, is her darkest work to date. Sokoloff has a gift of pulling readers immediately into her stories. Her writing style, though simple and succinct, is exquisite. She knows how to combine long sentences with sudden short ones, thus creating a sensuous cadence and rhythm. The novel is also filled with vivid images, mystery and a strong atmosphere of danger. I also like the way she interlaces psychological elements into the plot, thus adding depth to the story.

One of the aspects of this novel I enjoyed the most was how Sokoloff incorporated quantum physics and the idea of multiple dimensions and parallel universes into her storyline. This definitely adds something different and original from other teen horror novels in the market today. It also stimulates readers’ minds. The story crosses genres; it’s a thriller with a bit of horror and a dash of the supernatural.

I highly recommend The Space Between to fans of dark YA thrillers as well as to those readers who like a sprinkle of science in their books.

Buy now on:

Amazon/Kindle
Barnes & Noble/Nook
Smashwords

Amazon UK
Amazon DE

Any format, only $2.99.

Read the first five chapters on Smashwords now by downloading a free sample.

2011-07-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Adventure Series is about animal detectives, which is for readers in 2nd and 3rd grade and up. In this series children will learn about animal tracks, as well as rocks and minerals. My new release is book 2 in the Joe-Joe Nut Series called Mineral Mischief. This is a great story that captures the attention of the reader by approaching the topic of rocks and minerals in a different way. Great for teachers, homeschool parents and librarians. I add in quite a bit of interesting and factual information that will educate and entertain the reader. It also can be used to supplement the topic of rocks and minerals in a classroom. Each book has tons of information about the topic and about the suspects. All books are written in a fun and educational way.
Here is a blurb about Mineral Mischief:

Joe-Joe and Biscuit found themselves in a dark and dreary cave, and in front of them, sitting on an ornately carved stone pedestal, was Maple’s mineral. To reach out and take it would be so easy. It glistened like stars in a midnight sky, attracting their attention, luring them. There had to be a catch somewhere. Something wasn’t right. Joe-Joe and Biscuit stood beside the pedestal, analyzing it. There was a circle in the center of the pedestal, and the mineral was placed in the center of that circle. A TRAP! Thought Joe-Joe as he glanced at his partner, who was wearing a russet-colored fedora, which matched his own—they definitely looked sharp. Joe-Joe glanced behind Biscuit, where he noticed a deep gap in the wall. The opening was barred like a cage. Barely any light shined through to reveal what was inside. Joe-Joe had an inkling that, if he removed the mineral, the cage door would open, unleashing a horrific Greek beast that would assuredly eat them both for dinner. Joe-Joe began thinking like an adventurer. He was suddenly consumed with the identity of Indiana Jones.
Renee Hand writes because it is a passion in her heart. She is a homeschool parent and likes to create books that educate and inspire the children of today. She was born in Michigan and still lives there with her husband and two children. She has a degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry. Renee is an award-winning author, receiving awards such as a Best Book Award, a National Literary Award and a Preferred Choice award for her children's series and adult books. She has just recently won a Seal of Excellence award in Storytelling for her Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Series. She has been writing for over twenty-five years and has nine books published. When she is not spending time with her family or participating in author events, she is coaching and playing tennis, as well as doing research for her books and many other things that keep her busy. Not quite sure what a cryptogram is and want to learn more?

Visit the author's website at www.reneeahand.com to learn about cryptograms and how to solve the ones that are in the books. She also blogs at http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com/

Book Review: Aloni Gabriel & Butterfly/Aloni Gabriel & Mariposa, by Elena Iglesias

2011-06-22T03:53:00.000-07:00

Aloni Gabriel & Butterfly/Aloni Gabriel & Mariposa is an illustrated, bilingual story (English/Spanish) for middle-grade readers. Like The Little Prince, it is a deeply insightful fable that both educates and entertains.

Our young protagonist is Aloni, a boy who hates to be called by his middle name, Gabriel. One day in his garden, he meets a magical white butterfly who takes him on a fantastic journey to seven kingdoms of the imagination. There’s a chapter for each kingdom, and each kingdom has a different color, is governed by an archangel, and ruled by one principle or value such as wisdom, love, will, etc. Thus, the story teaches seven lessons. For example, chapter 1 is The Blue Country. As soon as they enter it, everything turns blue, even Butterfly. In this chapter, they visit Archangel Michael.

As Aloni travels on the butterfly’s back, he asks her many questions. Butterfly’s replies invite self contemplation and pondering, so that most of the times it is Aloni himself who finds the responses inside himself. Unifying all the principles is the concept that all answers can be found inside one’s heart, if one really looks inside and pays attention.

When you read this book, you can tell right away that the author is a poet. The writing, though simple and appropriate for young audiences, is often lyrical and filled with vivid images. This is one of those stories that seem simple on the surface but are deep underneath. It is refreshing to find books for children that are spiritual and not just entertaining. Since the story has a lot of dialogue, the pace moves pretty quickly. I’d also like to point out that even though the book is a fable, the author doesn’t hit us over the head with the moral of the story. She makes it obvious, but finds a good balance that prevents the tale from sounding preachy. I recommend Aloni Gabriel & Butterfly/Aloni Gabriel & Mariposa for class discussions. It is a book that stimulates the imagination and invites self reflection.

title: Aloni Gabriel & Butterfly/Aloni Gabriel & Mariposa
author: Elena Iglesias
publisher: Eriginal Books LLC
ISBN-13: 978-1-61370-993-1 -- ISBN-10:1613709935
format: kindle, epub, paperback http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
pages:150
price: $7.99
genre: middle-grade fantasy/fable

Visit the author’s website: http://www.elenaiglesias.net

Meet Darby Karchut, author of the new young adult novel, Griffin Rising

2011-06-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

All her life, the archetypal hero and his journey have enthralled Darby Karchut. A native of New Mexico, Darby grew up in a family that venerated books and she spent her childhood devouring one fantasy novel after another. Fascinated by mythologies from around the world, she attended the University of New Mexico, graduating with a degree in anthropology. After moving to Colorado, she then earned a Master’s in education and became a social studies teacher.

Drawing from her extensive knowledge of world cultures, she blends ancient myths with modern urban life to write stories that relate to young teens today.

Darby lives in Colorado with her husband, where she still teaches at a local junior high school. She enjoys running, biking, and skiing the Rocky Mountains in all types of weather. Griffin Rising is her first novel. Visit the author at her website: www.darbykarchut.com.

Your first teen novel, Griffin Rising, blends ancient myths with modern urban life. Please tell us a little about the book.

For centuries, rumors have abounded of a lowly caste of supernatural beings known as the Terrae Angeli. Armed with the power to control Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, these warriors secretly serve as guardians for mortals in danger.

But for one young angel-in-training, Griffin, life is hell as a cruel master makes his apprenticeship a nightmare. On the verge of failing, a new mentor, Basil, enters his life and changes it forever. It is their father-and-son relationship, sometimes turbulent, often hilarious, always affectionate, that is the heart and soul of the story.

Masquerading as the average teen next door, Griffin struggles to learn his trade, navigate the ups and downs of modern life among humans (including falling in love with the girl next door), and prepare for the ancient trial-by-combat every apprentice must pass at sixteen or be forced to become mortal.

How did your fascination with mythology start?

All my life, the archetypal hero and his journey have enthralled me. A native of New Mexico, I grew up in a family that venerated books and I spent my childhood devouring one fantasy novel after another, especially the works of J.R.R Tolkien and Lloyd Alexander. As a teen, Joseph Campbell’s writings made me aware of the power in the great myths from around the world, so I attended the University of New Mexico and graduated with a degree in anthropology.

Why an angel?

One day, in the summer of 2009, I was browsing in my favorite bookstore and discovered a book about legends from the Middle Ages. Obsessed with all things medieval, I thumbed through it and came across a short paragraph that described a lowly caste of guardian angels that were said to control the ancient elements of Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. Not being particularly interested in angels, I put the book back and forgot all about it.

A few days later, while running the trails in the foothills near my home, the idea of writing a story about clandestine warriors-angels, who live among us while training their young apprentices, just roared up behind me and slammed into my head. Like an avalanche, you might say. And thus Griffin, Basil, and all the other Terrae Angeli were born.

Is the book part of a 3-book series? What is the theme of the series as a whole?

The book is the first in a possible 4-book saga. The theme is simply: On the road to adulthood, every hero-figure needs a father-figure. Once in awhile.

What about your protagonist will make readers want to read about him? What qualities make him a hero?

Griffin is the classic flawed hero. Surviving a brutal past causes him to have moments of self-doubt. Except when a mortal is in peril, than his true nature as a guardian angel shines forth. And, although he is one of the good guys, Griffin can be as snarky as the next teenager, especially to his mentor and surrogate father, Basil.

How would you describe your creative process while writing this book? Since I had never written anything before, I had no idea what I was doing. I was beyond clueless. So I simply wrote the first draft of the book, then went back and studied everything I could about writing. Each time I learned something new, I went back and re-wrote the book. I must have written over twenty drafts before I began submitting it to various agents and publishers. I also read three to four YA novels a week. The more I read, the better I wrote.

How do you balance your teaching job with writing? Do you have a writing schedule? I’ve trained myself to write whenever I have a fifteen-minute block of time: lunch break, after school, evenings, and weekends. It does take discipline, but I love writing, so it’s more like play to me. And I never watch TV. Or cook.

I heard you love the revision process. What about it do you enjoy so much? Most writers find it tedious. OMGosh, I would STILL be revising Griffin Rising if I could. I live to tweak. I find the more I polish a piece of writing, the better it gets. Without exception. For me, the first draft is the hardest part – it’s excruciatingly painful. Even with a strong outline, I have to wrench each scene out of my head word by word. But then once that draft is finished, I dive in and begin tweaking and polishing, adding and taking away.

How did you find Twilight Times Books? Did they offer a contract for the series based on the first manuscript? I began submitting my manuscript to both agents and publishers in the spring of 2010. Since Twilight Times Book has a sterling reputation and is well respected among small and mid-list book publishers, I sent them a copy of the manuscript in April and kept my fingers crossed. In June, I was offered a contract. Subsequently, I have also signed a contract for the next book in the series, Griffin’s Fire.

How do you market your books? It is a multi-pronged approach. Prior to release, I sent out close to 80 copies to various YA book bloggers, reviewers, and local bookstores as well as networking within the YA book world via my own blog and website. Anything and everything to get a “buzz” going. As the school year begins this coming fall, I will also be doing author visits to various middle and high schools in my area. My publisher also sent advanced readers copies to the well-known book reviews such as Library Journal, Foreword, School Library Journal, Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, and so on.

I understand you’re working on the sequel, Griffin’s Fire. When will this one be out? The release date is tentatively scheduled for April 2012.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I would encourage anyone interested in writing YA books to read extensively in that genre. Best thing you can do as an author is saturate your mind with good writing. There is an old saying: you read and you read and then one day, you throw up a book. Inelegant, but so very true.

Learn the rules of writing, then break them as necessary to make your story better. Everything is about The Story.

Thanks, Darby!

Thank you, Mayra. I had a terrific time visiting with you.

Meet Donna Peterson, author of The Misadventures of Phillip Isaac Penn, and Pip's alter ego

2011-05-27T01:36:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Donna L. Peterson, I am the author of The Misadventures of Phillip Isaac Penn, and Pip's alter ego. I've been writing stories since I was 7 years old. The first story I wrote was a very somber, heart-wrenching tale about a lonely Christmas tree. My mother had me read it at our Christmas family gathering. Even though I was quite shy at that time, I was determined to be an author after the sound of their applause. As a teen, I kept a diary and wrote angst filled poetry that helped me get through those awkward years. In college I majored in journalism, but I soon found out that I preferred to make up my own stories rather than report the news. For 5 years I worked for a newspaper writing feature stories and I even wrote an Erma Bombeck style humor column called Kaleidoscope. I've since been working for the last 12 years for the Weiser School District at Park Intermediate School, where I enjoy writing stories about and for the children I work with on a daily basis.

About the author

Donna Peterson has enjoyed writing stories and poetry since the second grade. She has been published four times in the Idaho Magazine; wrote a weekly humor column, "Kaleidoscope," for the Three Rivers Chronicle; and she continues to write short stories for the children at Park Intermediate School, where she has been employed for the past twelve years. Two years ago, Donna took a children's literature class, which inspired her to finally publish her own stories.

Donna lives in Weiser, Idaho, with her husband, Brad, and her three-legged cat, Sam. Her son, Erik and his lovely wife, Shawna, live in Murray, Utah. Her other son, David, will be attending college in Japan next fall.

Writing has always been Donna's favorite pastime, so having her first children's book published is a dream come true.

Journaling Techniques for Writers with Tina M. Games

2011-05-20T01:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to day four of Tina M. Games’ 6-day NWFCC April Author Showcase tour and learn journaling techniques for writers.

Hi, I'm Tina M. Games, author of Journaling by the Moonlight: A Mother's Path to Self-Discovery.

Many writers will say to me, "I don't know how to begin writing in my journal. Do you have any techniques that are especially helpful to a writer?"

Before we begin the act of writing, of any kind, it's important to understand how we receive and process information. Everyone has a particular learning style, and it holds true even in the journal writing process.

How do you sort through your thoughts? What's the best way for you to work through an idea - from beginning to end?

Are you a visual processor? Or an auditory processor? Do you need to touch and feel things, perhaps engaging in some form of movement in order to work the ideas through your mind and body?

The actual act of journal writing involves both a visual and kinesthetic process. We see the words as we write them. We feel the flow of the pen to paper - or the movement of fingers touching the keyboard. It's also helpful for a kinesthetic processor to go for a run or a walk before writing, to allow the thoughts to move through the body.

For an auditory processor, try speaking your ideas into a recording device. Then take some quiet time to listen to what you said - and honor what's coming to mind as you hear your own voice. You may also consider getting some type of speaking software, where you can speak your ideas into your computer and it documents your thoughts and ideas into words - words that you can play around with, when crafting your piece.

Here are a few journaling techniques that are helpful for capturing and working with the best ideas:

Clustering - Write every idea down on a journal page, putting each one in its own circle. Color each circle with colored pencils based on the emotion that you feel when you read the idea. Notice any circles that have the same color and ponder any ways that you could thread the ideas together. If you don't see a common thread, just sit with the circles for awhile - and see which ones jump out at you. Which ones give you goose bumps when you ponder its possibilities? Take those and write about them. Just ramble until you feel you've gained some clarity - and are feeling pulled toward a particular direction.

List of best ideas - Make a "grocery list" of your ideas and let it be as long as you need it to be. Sit with this list. Does anything jump out at you? If not, number your ideas beginning with the number one. Then randomly pick a number and journal about that idea. If it feels good, go for it. If not, pick another number (for another idea).

Visual journaling - make a collage of images that represent your ideas. Put your collage in a place where you can see it. What jumps out at you? Is there one image that grabs your attention more than the others? Do you see a common thread - perhaps ideas that can be weaved together? If so, journal about it.

What journaling techniques are good for overcoming writer's block? Here are a few:

Mind dump - If you feel yourself stalling, pull out your journal and dump out the mental clutter. Don’t worry about making sense. Just dump it all out onto the page. Then sit with your jumbled thoughts for a few minutes. Read over them a couple of times. What jumps out at you? Ponder it for a moment. Then just write – and see where the words take you!

Writing from quotes - Pick a quote that resonates with you in the moment - and sit with it for a few minutes. What does it mean to you and how can you apply it to your writing? Take some time to ponder and then write.

Dialogue - Have a dialogue with a character, a concept or a thought. You can even have a dialogue with writer's block. Open up your journal and write a script (a dialogue between you and whatever it is that's blocking you in the moment). Begin in your voice by asking, "Why are you in my way?" or "how can I get past you?" - and continue the dialogue until you've reached a resolution.

How can you use journal writing to map out a story, article or book? Here are a few ideas:

Clustering technique (a form of mind mapping) - This is a cluster of circles - with your main idea or your main character being in the center circle and your points or your character traits or your supporting characters being in little circles (drawn out from the main circle via a line). Once you have this mapped out, create an outline and begin to write.

Dialogue technique - In your journal, create a conversation with a character, a topic or an idea. Act as if you're the interviewer and ask lots of questions!

Character sketch - Journal from the point of view from a character in your book - or from your intended reader (what would they want to know about this topic - or what would they want to gain from reading your book or story).

Visual journaling - Make a collage of images that represent your story, article or book. Let it be the focal point for mapping out your storyline or creating your character - or targeting your ideal reader. Allow the images to guide you into the stages of writing your piece.

Thank you for allowing me to connect with you here today! Join me tomorrow as I share 12 tips for maintaining a satisfying journal writing practice.

Follow Day 5 of Ms. Games' tour tomorrow at http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com.

Writing Tips from Children’s Author Renee Hand

2011-05-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to day four of Renee Hand’s 6-day NWFCC April Author Showcase tour and join Ms. Hand as she discusses knowing your audience.

When writing for children, one must always keep in mind their audience. Developing ideas for appropriate topics to write about and keeping them at a certain age level, can be challenging. I view writing for children as something that is fun and educational. I put a lot of effort in making my books unique and different. As a writer we must find a niche and fill it. Writing for children is making sure you get your message across. The children’s market is flooded with books. As a writer we have to create storylines that stand out from the crowd and get noticed, not blend in with the rest and be forgettable.

Follow Day 5 of Ms. Hand's tour tomorrow at http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com.

Latest news!

2011-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I'm thrilled to announce that my children's picture book, Frederico, the Mouse Violinist, is an Award-Winning Finalist in the "Children's Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction" category of the 2011 International Book Awards! Yeepie!!!

Also, I'll be going on a virtual blog tour with Pump Up Your Book this June to promote it.

The link to the VBT page is: http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/05/16/frederico-the-mouse-violinist-vir

tual-book-tour-june-2011/

Here is a list of the blogs I'll be visiting:

Monday, June 6

Interviewed at Blogcritics

Tuesday, June 7

Book reviewed at 4 the Love of Books

Wednesday, June 8

Book reviewed at Healing Hearts

Thursday, June 9

Book reviewed at Ellis Reviews & Life

Friday, June 10

Book reviewed at Write for a Reader

Monday, June 13

Book reviewed at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Tuesday, June 14

Book reviewed at Library of Clean Reads

Wednesday, June 15

Guest blogging at Literal Exposure

Thursday, June 16

Book reviewed at Virginia Beach Publishing Examiner

Friday, June 17

Guest blogging at The Book Faery Reviews

Book reviewed at Booksnatchers

"How To Write A Novel for Children Or Young Adult Readers," by Heather C Matthews

2011-05-15T02:31:00.000-07:00

Every newbie author dreams of becoming the next J.K. Rowling or Roald Dahl. However, writing a children's book can be harder than it seems. Creating a story that resonates with kids or young adult readers is a challenging task. If you're determined to create a true work of art (and to get your book published!), this article will be a great way to start. Here are some tips and tricks you'll need to master before you become the author you dream of being!

* Write A Detailed Outline - Most fledgling authors simply sit down and begin to write...often, this approach can lead to frustration. Since half the battle is actually finishing a novel, you should get organized - right from the start. Crafting a full outline, which includes character names, plot twists, settings, and a chapter-by-chapter analysis of the storyline, can be the best way to organize your thoughts and make your ideas more cohesive. By working through issues at the outset, you'll be able to put together a working outline that allows you to research, refine, and brainstorm your artistic vision.

* Consider The Marketplace - Look at what's selling...how does YOUR potential storyline fit into the current marketplace? Obviously, novels like the Harry Potter series, the Twilight Series, and the Lemony Snicket series are hot sellers that meet young reader's needs. Do a little market research, and be certain publishers are interested in your story type. There is always room for a great novel, no matter what it's about, but your chances of getting published skyrocket when you take the marketplace into account. Be smart and get your ducks in a row...choose characters and settings that are proven winners. Then, add your own originality and special writing style into the mix!

* Learn About Queries - Once you've begun to write your story, you should also start to think about what you'll need to do to get it out there in front of the public. Part of being an author is understanding that getting published and promoting your work is largely your responsibility! Today, getting an agent is tougher than ever before. You need to know how to write a concise, engaging query letter to agents and/or publishers. Luckily, the Internet is a rich resource - Google and learn more about the best ways to get the attention of the publishing industry. By the time you're finished your masterpiece, you'll be ready for action! Remember, rejection is part of the business. Even Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone was rejected 12 times before it found a home! Believe in yourself and don't give up.

* Find A Critique Partner - Lots of writers use author's groups, message boards, and critique partners to go deeper into the writing process. Look for a fellow author who can act as a sounding board for your work-in-progress! Once you've found a great person to work with, send sample chapters and ask for honest feedback. Even kids can be wonderful test readers for your first novel! Of course, if you really believe in your story, you should stay close to your original vision! However, valuable feedback can help you move forward and create something every child wants to read!

Being a children's book author can be fulfilling and lucrative...it just takes a lot of work and passion. You can do it!

About the author:

Heather C. Matthews is a published author and freelance writer based in Vancouver, BC. Her current children's novel, a young adult fantasy book, The Secret Of The Emerald Sea, is for sale at Amazon, Fictionwise, and OmniLit.

Guest review: "Dyslexia and Horatio Humble," by Karen Cioffi

2011-05-11T02:17:00.000-07:00

Title: Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D"
Author: Margot Finke
Illustrator: Ellen Gurak
ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-101-6
eBook ISBN: 13: 978-1-61633-102-3
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing

Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D" is a children's rhyming picture book that tackles dyslexia. For those who are unfamiliar with the term dyslexia, according to the Mayo Clinic, it is a brain impairment that hinders the "brain's ability to translate written images received from your eyes into meaningful language." And, it is the most common learning disability in children.

Margot Finke, in her usual insightful and playful way, shows the academic and emotional affects that dyslexia carries with it. Horatio, like all children with dyslexia, wants to read like his peers, but just can't. "Something was wonky within his poor head, so words in his books stayed a mystery instead."

The author captures the emotional impact a child feels when he can't read like others, which leads to: the need for special resources, tutoring, low self-esteem, and even anxiety.

With vivid full page illustrations Finke brings Horatio through the process of 'special class' and shows the outcome that can be attained with proper instruction. "Words came unscrambled and flowed smooth and clear. "

I've mentioned it before, and I'll do so again, I'm a fan of Margot Finke's work. She has a unique talent for approaching topics that children can use help with, such as moving away from familiar surroundings and friends, as in her book Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind, and now with dyslexia. What's wonderful about Finke's books is she addresses these issues with lighthearted rhyming fun.

Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D" is a book every parent of a child who is struggling to read should get. It's important for children to know they're not alone in their struggles, and that dyslexia is a problem that CAN be overcome.

Included at the end of the story is a resource page that provides information on dyslexia and also offers links to pertinent articles, along with book suggestions. Listed in the information is the advice that encourages parents of children who have or are suspect of having dyslexia to let their children know it is not a sign of a lack of intelligence. These children should be told that actors/celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Orlando Bloom, Oprah Winfrey and Magic Johnson overcame dyslexia, as did Bill Gates and Albert Einstein.

According to statistics, one in five students (around 20% of the population) has a language based learning disability. And, less than one-third of the children with reading disabilities receive school services to help with their disability.

Reading Horatio Humble Beats the Big "D" with your dyslexic child is a valuable strategy to help with your child's self-esteem and motivation.

About the reviewer:

Karen is an author, ghostwriter, and freelance writer. She is on the team of DKV Writing 4 U; the creator and manager of VBT Writers on the Move; moderator of a children's writing critique group; and an acquisition editor intern.

Karen is a member of the Professional Writers Alliance; the International Association of Professional Ghostwriters; and the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors. She is also a member of SCBWI, Children's Writers Coaching Club, Writer's Market, Author's Den, and Jacket Flap. Here books include: Day's End Lullaby (a children's bedtime picture book) Walking Through Walls (a middle-grade fantasy chapter book) Writing for Children One Step at a Time (a 100+ page e-book) Writing, Publishing, and Marketing - You Can Do It (a 36 page e-book)

For more on writing, ghostwriting, freelance writing, and promotion visit:
http://KarenCioffi.com While you're there, be sure to sign up for Karen's FREE monthly newsletter, A Writer's World; you'll get TWO FREE e-books on writing and marketing in the process.

"Writing Lesson Plan - A Children's Writing Lesson Plan For Beginners," by Laura Backes

2011-05-10T02:09:00.000-07:00

Since many aspiring children's book writers are also teachers, it might be a good idea to offer some advice in a familiar format -- a writing lesson plan. We'll develop this plan step-by-step.

LESSON ONE:

Let's start our adventure with a look at the categories of children's books:

* Picture books -- In its broadest definition, a picture book is a book in which the illustrations play a significant role in telling the story. Under this umbrella are several types of books:

1. Baby Books -- For infants and young toddlers, these books are generally lullabies, nursery rhymes, fingerplays, or wordless books. The length and format varies with the content.

2. Toddler books -- Very simple stories for ages 1-3 (under 300 words) familiar to a child's everyday life, or concept books (teaching colors, numbers, shapes, etc.) Books are short (12 pages is average) and the format can be board books (sturdy paper-over board construction), pop-ups, lift-the flaps or novelty books (books that make sounds, have different textures, etc.) See the "Max" series of board books by Rosemary Wells (Dial).

3. Picture books -- Traditionally, picture books (also called "picture story books") are 32-page books for ages 4-8 (this age may vary slightly by publisher). Manuscripts are up to 1500 words, with 1000 words being the average length. Plots are simple (no sub-plots or complicated twists) with one main character who embodies the child's emotions, concerns and viewpoint. The illustrations (on every page or every other page) play as great a role as the text in telling the story. Occasionally a picture book will exceed 1500 words; this is usually geared toward the upper end of the age spectrum. Picture books cover a wide range of topics and styles. The list of Caldecott Medal winners, available from your library, is a good place to start your research. Nonfiction in the picture book format can go up to age 10, 48 pages in length, or up to about 2000 words of text.

4. Early picture books -- A term for picture books geared toward the lower end of the 4-8 age range. These stories are simple and contain under 1000 words. Many early picture books have been reprinted in the board book format, thus widening the audience. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Philomel) is an example.

As we continue our writing lesson plan, we step up to a slighty older age group:

* Easy readers -- Also called "easy-to-read", these books are for children just starting to read on their own (age 6-8). They have color illustrations on every page like a picture book, but the format is more "grown-up" -- smaller trim size, sometimes broken into short chapters. The length varies greatly by publisher; the books can be 32-64 pages long, with 200-1500 words of text, occasionally going up to 2000 words. The stories are told mainly through action and dialogue, in grammatically simple sentences (one idea per sentence). Books average 2-5 sentences per page. See the "Amelia Bedelia" books by Peggy Parish or other "I Can Read" books published by Harper Trophy.

* Transition books -- Sometimes called "early chapter books" for ages 6-9, they bridge the gap between easy readers and chapter books. Written like easy readers in style, transition books are longer (manuscripts are about 30 pages long, broken into 2-3 page chapters), books have a smaller trim size with black-and-white illustrations every few pages. See "The Kids of the Polk Street School" series by Patricia Reilly Giff (Dell) or the "Stepping Stone Books" published by Random House.

* Chapter books -- For ages 7-10, these books are 45-60 manuscript pages long, broken into 3-4 page chapters. Stories are meatier than transition books, though still contain a lot of action. The sentences can be a bit more complex, but paragraphs are still short (2-4 sentences is average). Chapters often end in the middle of a scene to keep the reader turning the pages. Look at the "Herbie Jones" books by Suzy Kline (Puffin) and the "Ramona" books by Beverly Cleary (Morrow).

* Middle grade -- This is the golden age of reading for many children, ages 8-12. Manuscripts suddenly get longer (100-150 pages), stories more complex (sub-plots involving secondary characters are woven through the story) and themes more sophisticated. Kids get hooked on characters at this age, which explains the popularity of series with 20 or more books involving the same cast. Fiction genres range from contemporary to historical to science fiction/fantasy; nonfiction includes biographies, science, history and multicultural topics. Check out some middle grade novels from the list of Newberry Medal winners at your library to get you started.

Our final stop for this writing lesson plan is one of the hottest areas of publishing:

* Young adult -- For ages 12 and up, these manuscripts are 130 to about 200 pages long. Plots can be complex with several major characters, though one character should emerge as the focus of the book. Themes should be relevant to the problems and struggles of today's teenagers, regardless of the genre. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton defined young adult when it was first published in 1967; the Newbery Medal award list also contains many worthy titles. A new age category (10-14) is emerging, especially with young adult nonfiction. These books are slightly shorter than the 12 and up category, and topics (both fiction and nonfiction) are appropriate for children who have outgrown middle grade but aren't yet ready for the themes (fiction) or who aren't studying the subjects (nonfiction) of high school readers.

Back with Step 2 of our writing lesson plan soon! In the meantime, visit http://cbiclubhouse.com to learn about the right way to write stories and submit them to children's book publishers.

Laura Backes is the Publisher of Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Book Writers. Want to learn how to become a successful children's book author? Come hang with the Fightin' Bookworms at http://cbiclubhouse.com Whether is writing picture books, chapter books, young adult novels, finding children's book publishers -- or anything else -- you'll find all the answers at the CBI Clubhouse!

And the winner is....

2011-05-09T01:39:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

The Spring Blog Carnival has finally come to an end. Thanks to all who participated!

The winner of my giveaway is.......................................

Mary Nellie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats, Mary! I'll be contacting you via email to get your mailing details so I can ship your prize.

Welcome to the Spring Blog Carnival!

2011-05-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to participate in the Spring Blog Carnival!

The Spring Blog Carnival will run from May 1st to May 8th. Two hundred participating blogs will be offering book-related giveaways. If you're a book lover, don't miss it! There will be plenty of opportunities to win prizes. Winners will be announced on May 9th.

The carnival is being hosted by:

Candace’s Book Blog
Reading Ang el
Pure Imagination
The Book Swarm

My giveaway will be an autographed hardcover copy of my latest children's picture book, Frederico, the Mouse Violinist!

To enter, become my blog follower and leave a comment at the bottom of this post. Additional entries:

'Like' my Facebook Fan Page

Subscribe to my blog (at the top of the right sidebar under my photo)

Good luck!

Here's a list of participating blogs:

Write a book this summer!

2011-04-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Write and Publish YOUR Book in 16 weeks when you join Suzanne Lieurance's Working Writer’s Book Bootcamp!

Are you ready to write a novel but you don’t know how to get started?

Or maybe you’ve started your novel dozens of times only to stop midway through so you NEVER finish writing it?

OR – perhaps you want to write a nonfiction book that will become your “signature” product, which will take your business to new levels?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, then Suzanne Lieurance's Working Writer’s Book Bootcamp is just what you need.

For complete details about this program, email Suzanne at suzanne@workingwriterscoach.com with the words “Working Writer’s Book Bootcamp” in the subject line. She'll send you complete details including the syllabus.

I already signed up for this bootcamp (the novel version) and I'm incredibly excited. I'm a big procrastinator when it comes to finishing novels so I believe this is a valuable investment in my writing career. I have been a member of the Working Writer's Club for over a year now, so I know how wonderful Suzanne is as a coach. My writing has bloomed since I've been under her umbrella. Suzanne is an energetic and inspiring coach. She'll demand a lot from you--but only to push you to your full potential.

The bootcamp will start in June and last through September.

If you're interested, write to Suzanne for details and please let her know you heard about the bootcamp from Mayra's Secret Bookcase.

Don't keep putting your dreams aside for later. Stop procrastinating and do something for yourself and your writing career. You'll be glad you did.

Guest post: "Why Your Blog is Important for Book Promotion," by Hayley Rose

2011-04-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

You’ve just put a considerable amount of time researching and writing your book and your days are now spent promoting it. While there are numerous online and offline vehicles you can use to promote your book, having a blog is possibly one of the most important.

For those with static websites, meaning your content doesn’t change frequently, your blog is the one component that provides fresh content. Search engines love new and relevant content and if you’re spending even an ounce of your time promoting your book online through various social media channels, your blog can be the driving factor between being found or lost in cyberspace.

Reasons Why Your Blog is a Critical Tool

Your Blog Content

The content you provide on your blog not only builds online awareness of your book, but it establishes your social media credibility. There’s a direct correlation between your relevant content and the traffic that’s funneled to your site. The more blog posts you provide, the higher your website will rank.

The Information You Provide

Internet users are constantly looking for information and your blog is well-suited to provide them with the information they are looking to get. Your visitors may be future authors or want to know about your upcoming book-signing events. They may want to know more about your niche or where to purchase your book. Whatever people are looking for, you can engage your visitors with the information they seek.

Your Blog is Interactive

Your blog provides a platform for people to interact with you by commenting on your blog posts. It’s easy to sit behind your computer screen and blast out information about your book, but online marketing is still about forming relationships. Encouraging your blog visitors to comment on your posts aides in establishing relationships between you and your fans.

Your Blog Can Be Universal

Cyberspace is global and your blog can be accessed by people in all corners of the world. You’re no longer limited to local awareness in cyberspace. Your blog can open up new channels for your book promotion.

Your Blog is Your Link to Your Social Media Efforts

Promoting your blog via social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook can be linked back to your blog and relaying information your blog visitors are seeking . Social media isn’t about creating useless noise, but quenching your visitor’s thirst for your knowledge.

So blog and blog often. Think of what your targeted audience might want to know and read and provide them with that content.

About the Author:

Hayley Rose grew up in the beach side town of Pacific Palisades, California, to a family of visual artists. In the early 90's she traveled the U.S. with her band Crush Violet. In 1994, after a family reunion, she was inspired to write a children's book. Her first book, Fifo “When I Grow Up” was published in 2002. Fifo “50 States” is the second book in the Fifo series. Along with writing children’s books, Hayley has been working in entertainment business management for the past 15 years specializing in concert touring. She has worked with many “A list” musicians including, Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart and Candlebox, and hopes to one day soon release an album of children’s songs. She is a currently member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and resides in Los Angeles, CA. You can read more at www.fifothebear.com. or join the Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/fifothebearbooks.

7 picture books in 7 days... "NaPiBoWriWee"

2011-04-27T13:27:00.001-07:00

Are you up to the challenge of writing 7 picture books in 7 days? Then be sure to join The National Picture Book Writing Week, hosted by Paula Yoo, author of GOOD ENOUGH.

The marathon lasts from May 1-7. Read all about it HERE.

I wish I could take part in this, but I'm afraid I'll be INCREDIBLY busy next week preparing for my picture book writing workshop. For those interested, please check out the details at SavvyAuthors.com.

Cheers!

And the winner is....

2011-04-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop is.......................................

Thrifty Sassy Mommy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations! I'll be contacting you by email today!!!!!!!

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop!

2011-04-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to participate in the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop, hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Once Upon a Twilight.

The Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop is scheduled from 12:01 AM April 20th until 11:59 PM April 25th.

Prize winners will be announced on Tuesday, April 26th. There are 263 blogs participating in this hop, so there will be plenty of prizes for all of you book lovers!

To visit all participating blogs, click HERE or HERE.

I'll be giving away autographed copies of the following children's books to ONE lucky winner:

To ENTER my giveaway, become my blog follower and leave a comment under this post.

Additional entries:

Follow me on Twitter and leave another comment here letting me know you did.

Join my Fan Page on Facebook and leave another comment here letting me know you did.

Good luck!!!! :-)

My upcoming book

2011-04-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hi,

My publisher just sent me the cover for one of my upcoming picture books, The Water Cycle. I'm so excited! I think the cover is very cute! This will be the first book in a series of four about the weather. I'm not sure of the release date yet. Probably early summer.

"Children Learn with Stories," by Suzanne McPherson

2011-04-14T03:27:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a new way to teach your children manners? Have you prepared your child for the surgery of a loved one? Do they know what happens at a funeral? Obviously these things don't just come up in every day conversation, however preparing young people for common situations before they happen is difficult. Writing about an emotionally scary thing and reading it to your child before something happens can prepare them for an upcoming uncomfortable event.

Thirty-two years ago my grandmother began writing an annual family Easter story. In the beginning each child, had a speaking part and she left blanks in sentences to add their friends names. Now, I am committed to continue to write the Easter story. The story is then printed out on the printer and mailed out to all of my aunts and uncles and cousins. The purpose of the story is to teach lessons to the kids, in a non-threatening sort of way. Each child still has speaking parts and they all live in the Magic Forest with characters that have been inspired by my grandmother, Beatrix Potter and Mother Goose. Through the years I have changed the story from what my grandmother had been writing, but we both hold the same idea that it must include Easter, as a religious holiday, and a lesson. As the years have gone on I have also been including things from my grandmothers past, a time before the kids were born, to help them learn about her.

As an example one story I have written involves someone having surgery. I take one of the animals, Peter Rabbit, and write about the medical process as you would see it from a child's view point. I talk about going in for tests, meeting the doctors, being wheeled into surgery on a bed. When they wake up they are tired and a little sore and nurses, who are also from the Magic Forest, take care of the patient. They take their temperature, blood pressure and bring them medicine. They receive visitors, who are the children of the Magic Forest, and soon the room fills with lovely flowers. Everyone helps to care for the patient once they are brought home.

Sometimes the children participate in a rodeo. In this scenario they learn how to be good winners and, good losers and learn how to be happy for someone else. When it is an election year, elections are held in the Magic Forest. Each participant discusses what they will change and the children get to discuss and vote on who they think is the best candidate. To keep things from getting to intense there is always someone playing a prank in the story.

It's best to print in a very plain font, use lots of pictures and color. Imagine yourself in elementary school and use words that kids can read on their own. Bold each child's name as they `speak' in the story. Put in updated photos of the children and label them with their names and ages. For cousins that live far away this may be the only way that you get to see each other. Refer to the story as experiences come up in the family. Remind them how the characters in the Magic Forest responded.

There is more then one way to teach children the things they need to know. Stories are a great way for children to learn. The writing of the story can be passed around from year to year, so make sure that you save all the picture files for the next author. You can get great characters by searching through your children's books, pictures can come from their, favorite books, coloring books, or the internet. By trading off the obligation, everyone gets to put their own imagination into the story. Be consistent when using the characters, it will make it easier to follow from year to year. Print pages on different colors of paper. Ask for others input if you get stumped about what to use for a plot. World events are a great thing to create your own story around. Children discuss these things between themselves at school, so give your child good information to take the fear out of the conversation.

Using a holiday to write your family story makes certain that it is written every year about the same time and soon the kids will be waiting by the mailbox. Writing an annual story is a great way to use your imagination and prepare kids for new experiences. Make a great cover for your book and don't forget to sign your work!

About the author: I am the artist behind Style In Stone jewelry at http://www.styleinstone.com. I also enjoy writing and am the author and publisher of our annual family Easter story. I love doing this because it allows me to help parents teach their children in a different way, through stories which include their cousins and family. I have a blog on alternative healing to encourage others to seek out a way to help themselves have emotionally, spiritually and physically happy lives. Visit my blog at http://www.zenergygal.com. Watch for my forthcoming book on ways to tweak your health.

Children's books about Mother's Day

2011-04-13T03:19:00.000-07:00

This great little list was put together by Apples4theteacher.com. For more information about the books, just click on the links. These are great books to read with your child on Mother's Day!

	A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying around the World by Emery Bernhard, Durga Bernhard (Illustrator)
	Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
	Before I Was Your Mother by Kathryn Lasky, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)
	Happy Mother's Day, Mami! by Leslie Valdes, Jason Fruchter (Illustrator)
	Love You Forever by Robert Muncsh
	Mother's Day by Anne Rockwell, Lizzy Rockwell (Illustrator)
	Mother's Mother's Day by Lorna Balian

Advanced Membership Level of CWCC Now Available

2011-04-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

Advanced Membership Level of CWCC Now Available

If you're a published children's book author and/or illustrator, get the help you need to take your career to the next level!

Join the CWCC as an ADVANCED MEMBER.

This month's tele-workshop for Advanced Members of the CWCC will take place on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at NOON CDT. Nancy I. Sanders will present Creating Effective Subplots and Memorable Secondary Characters.

Find out all the benefits of Advanced Membership in our club here now!

Special Mother's Day Showcase at the National Writing for Children Center

2011-04-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Special Mother's Day Showcase - at a Special Price!

The National Writing for Children Center is looking for children's books about mothers (and mothers and their children) for a special Mother's Day Showcase in May.

The center is offering a special price for this Mother's Day Showcase.

Get the details here!

"Why Feedback from Kids is Essential for a Successful Children’s Book, " by Meagan Thomsen

2011-04-09T03:11:00.000-07:00

Author and book review Managing Editor Irene Watson explains what's amiss the children's literature industry and how her new kids website bucks tradition with innovation.

(Austin, TX) The idea that kids are the best judges of what other kids want to read may not sound revolutionary, but in a world where children's books are written, published, reviewed and promoted by adults, it's actually a novel idea. An idea so simple, yet so profound, that it took a group of kids to make Irene Watson realize what the children's literature industry was missing.

Watson is the founder and managing editor of book review and author publicity service website ReaderViews.com. When the company began in late 2005, it offered children's book reviews written by adults. Then, one day, an author volunteered her manuscripts to be reviewed by a group of children. Seven kids were organized to review the book, and their feedback overwhelming voiced the novel as "stupid." This came as a bit of a surprise to Watson, because the book had already received wonderful reviews from dozens of independent reviewers--who were all adults.

"That's when I started thinking, 'There's something wrong with this picture,'" Watson said. The stark contrast between the rave reviews from the adults and the rotten reviews from the kids prompted Watson to seriously reconsider the children's book section of her book review website. After all, kids are the target audience for kid's books, not adults.

In the spring of 2007, Watson started a new website, ReaderViewsKids.com, with book reviews by kids, for kids. In order to create a reading group of volunteer reviewers, Watson polled numerous children and met with some in person. The kids reading group currently consists of twelve kids from across the United States one from Canada who range in age from 1 to 16 years old. Each of the reviewers is asked to give their open and honest opinion.

Watson's research and experience also indicates that kids are very interested in fantasy, science fiction and mystery novels, but have little attention for self-help books. One author sent in a review request for a book about handling bullies, and Watson had to beg one of the older reviewers to read it because none of her other volunteers were interested. Some self-help and historical fiction novels have been so unappealing to kids that even when offered compensation for the review, Watson was unable to entice anyone for the job.

Over the past year and half, Watson has come to the conclusion that what many authors and publishers think are good ideas for children's books, don't actually interest their target audience. Self-help books, "feel good books," and "pink" books have all flopped when presented to kid reviewers. Watson suggests that if one wants to write a best-selling children's book, a kid's input is not only helpful, but necessary.

"Write what kids want to read," Watson said. "But don't ask kids you know to read your manuscript; truth only comes from kids when they know they won't get into trouble for giving their honest opinion."

http://www.readerviews.com/

Why Feedback from Kids is Essential for a Successful Children’s Book By Meagan Thomsen

Reasources parents can use to teach their kids to read

2011-04-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

Carol Fraser Boles talks with Suzanne Lieurance about resources parents can use to help their children learn to read.

Listen to internet radio with Suzanne on Blog Talk Radio

Guest post by Sean McCartney, author of SECRETS OF THE MAGICAL MEDALLIONS

2011-04-06T02:45:00.000-07:00

Let me first thank Mayra for allowing me to talk with all of you today.

My name is Sean McCartney and I am the author of the new young adult action adventure series entitled THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB: SECRETS OF THE MAGICAL MEDALLIONS.

The book was released July 6, 2010 and is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, www.mountainlandpublishing.com and my web site www.treasurehuntersclubbook.com.

My road to publication is probably like many others. I started getting serious about writing novels in 2001. I wrote my first, THE 65th TEAM in the summer of 2001 and sent it out waiting for all the offers to come in. The only thing that came through the mail was…

REJECTION! And lots of it.

I was stunned. Didn’t these publishers know that every word I put down was gold? That every thought must be perfect because I took the time? So I wrote another novel and another and the same thing kept happening.

REJECTION! What I didn’t understand at the time and after years of working on novels I see now was that I did not respect the words, the sentences or the paragraphs. I left story lines hanging. I assumed the reader would get it. The truth was I didn’t get it.

A friend of mine pointed out something that Mark Twain said and I have used as my guideline for the rest of my novels. “The difference between the right word and the wrong word is like the difference between lightening and a lightening bug.”

With that idea in mind I wrote a fantasy novel called BLACK KNIGHT CHRONICLES: RISE OF EVIL and sent it out. I was able to land an agent with that book and we embarked on looking for a publisher.

My agent sent the manuscript to all the big time publishers and some took a look but nothing came of it. They seemed to like the idea but I was told the market was saturated with fantasy books about knights and dragons and another wasn’t needed.

This was frustrating because during this time I mapped out a five book series and even wrote the second book to BLACK KNIGHT CHRONICLES called SHADOW WARS.

Finally after eight years I decided to write something I would have found myself reading as a kid. I wanted to combine the mystery of the Hardy Boys with the action and adventure of Indiana Jones and national Treasure and thus THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB was born.

I really liked it. Of course I liked the other ones too but I decided to take a new approach with sending the book out for publication. I only queried small publishers. No agent this time, just me.

The rejections still came but there was a different tone to what came back. The publishers liked the ideas and the story but with the economy tanking at the time they didn’t feel they could do TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB justice.

Then on July 17, 2011 I received the e-mail from Mountainland Publishing wanting to publish my book I felt like I’d won the lottery.

Over the next year I went through the ups and downs of working with a small, relatively new publisher, but that is another story entirely.

I encourage you, because begging is undignified, to get yourself a copy of THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB: SECRETS OF THE MAGICAL MEDALLIONS and kick back and enjoy a fun, fast paced and exciting adventure.

Thanks again for the opportunity and I hope to hear from all of you.

About the author:

Sean Paul McCartney (he’s not related to the Beatle) was born in 1971. He graduated from Alfred University in upstate New York with a Bachelor’s in Communications in 1993. From there he played two exciting season traveling around the world with the Washington Generals playing against the world famous Harlem Globetrotters. In 1996 Sean earned his Masters in Education and embarked on a career as a teacher. He is employed by Plain Local Schools in Canton , OH . The first book in the series The Treasure Hunters Club: Secrets of the Magical Medallions introduces the four teens Tommy Reed, Jackson Miller, Shannon McDougal and Chris Henderson. The series is a cross between The Hardy Boys and Indiana Jones with a touch of National Treasure. You can visit Sean’s web site at www.treasurehuntersclubbook.com or e-mail him at seancoach@juno.com. Visit his The Treasure Hunters Club: Secrets of the Magic Medallions Facebook Fan Page by clicking here!

My article on Stories for Children Magazine!

2011-04-05T00:12:00.000-07:00

My nonfiction article, "Look! A Giant Atom!" appears in the April issue of Stories for Children Magazine!

Tips for reading with and to your child

2011-04-03T02:58:00.000-07:00

Suzanne Lieurance, founder of The National Writing for Children Center, offers tips on how to read with and to your child.

Great audio!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids/2011/03/15/reading-with-your-child

Here's another audio on how to choose books for your child:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids/2011/03/14/choosing-books-for-your-child

Enjoy!

Literacy Tips from Literacy Specialist Author Carol Boles

2011-03-29T05:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to day four of Carol Boles’ 6-day NWFCC March Specialist Showcase tour.

Responding to Literature - With Your Children

Fluent readers, or rather good readers, are those children who make logical predictions about what is going to happen next in the stories they are reading. The strategy of reading, then re-affirming predictions made during reading, not only helps children maintain an interest in what they’re reading, it also improve their comprehension. The following reading activity is used with chapter books, and even picture books. Parents play the role of the teacher, guiding and talking to their children about the literature their reading.

Begin- Have your child preview the story they’re going to read. This involves analyzing the cover, flipping through the pages, looking at the pictures, the chapter titles, and any other written or pictorial clues provided.

Provide- A copy of the “Responding to Literature” form (below). Know that reading and writing are intertwined in learning to read. This guided reading strategy can be used with elementary, middle school and secondary books, and can be adapted for use with picture book stories. This activity can take a day, several days or a week, depending on the book chosen. Parents just need to pick-up where the reading has stopped, then begin working with their child the next day.
Parents will find, when their children respond in writing to what they’re reading about, they become better readers—as well as good writers. If parents use this learning activity often, they’ll find their children concurrently learn the elements of literature, as well.
Responding to Literature

Name_______________________________________Date________________________

1. After looking at the book cover, the pictures, chapter titles throughout the book, I predict this story or book will be about:

2. After reading the first couple of pages, or the first chapter of the book, I now know my prediction was: (circle one) Correct Not Correct

Explain Why:

3. The main character(s) in this story are:

4. The setting for my story is: (where the story takes place)

5. After reading chapter two I now have a new prediction about what’s going to happen next in this story:

6. After reading several more chapters I now know that my prediction was: (circle one) Correct Not Correct

Explain Why:

7. The Problem the main character(s) is having in this story is:

8. I have read half this book. I now have a new prediction:

9. After reading several more chapters I now know that my prediction was: (circle one) Correct Not Correct

Explain Why

10. Right now what I like best about this story is:

11. I have read most of the chapters in my book and I am almost to the last chapter. I predict the story I am reading will end this way:

12. Was your prediction correct or incorrect about the ending of this story? Explain:

13. If I were going to tell a friend about this story, I would tell them this:

Follow Day 5 of Ms. Carol Boles' tour tomorrow at www.nancyisanders.wordpress.com. Leave a comment and your name will automatically be entered to win a Three Angels Gourmet Co mug and a package of Divine Dill Dip Mix - at the end of the month, provided by the National Writing for Children Center.

Homeschooling Resources from Homeschool Specialist Amy O’Quinn

2011-03-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to day four of Amy O’Quinn’s 6-day NWFCC March Specialist Showcase tour.

In our homeschool, we use many different types of resources and media. I do utilize textbooks (Saxon) for math and my older son’s science program (Apologia). But for the most part, we incorporate literature and trade books whenever possible.

There are many different companies and curriculums that focus on using literature as a learning base. In the past, I have used Sonlight, Winter Promise, Beautiful Feet, and most recently a website called Guest Hollow which features free lesson plans for ancient history, American History 1 & 2, the Human Body Science Study, etc.

Here are some examples of how we incorporate literature in our homeschool. My youngest daughter is currently studying the 1930’s and the Great Depression in history. In addition to using Joy Hakim’s History of US series Volume 9 as a ‘spine’ book, she is also reading the novel Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse and the non-fiction book, Dust To Eat: Drought and Depression in the 1930’s, by Michael L. Cooper. When she was learning about the Roaring 20’s, she read biographies of Babe Ruth, Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, a novel entitled Moonshiner’s Son by Carolyn Reeder, and a picture book called Angel Coming by Heather Hensen.

I also have several reference books on my shelf that match up time periods or locations in history with novels and trade books. Several of these titles include:

Books Children Love: A Guide to the Best Children’s Literature by Elizabeth Wilson
All Through the Ages: History Through Literature Guide by Christine Miller
Honey For A Child’s Heart: The Imaginative Use of Books in Family Life by Gladys Hunt
Let The Authors Speak by Carolyn Hatcher
Turning Back the Pages of Time by Kathy Keller

As far as a great one-stop resource for ALL homeschooling products, books, and resources, I highly recommend Rainbow Resource Center. They produce a huge catalog, and it contains almost everything and anything pertinent to homeschooling. Cathy Duffy’s website at www.grovepublishing.com is another great place to visit. As I’ve said before, the number of choices, products, and resources available to homeschoolers is amazing!

Follow Day 5 of Ms. O'Quinn's tour tomorrow at www.nancyisanders.wordpress.com. Leave a comment and your name will automatically be entered to win a Three Angels Gourmet Co mug and a package of Divine Dill Dip Mix - at the end of the month, provided by the National Writing for Children Center.

ESL Tips for Parents from ESL Specialist Dorit Sasson

2011-03-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to day four of Dorit Sasson 6-day NWFCC March Specialist Showcase tour. After visiting with Dorit and reading her insightful article, please feel free to leave your comments and questions, for she will be stopping in throughout the day.

Ways to Use Children's Books to Build Reading Comprehension for ESL Students

Recent research has established that effective read-alouds contribute to students' comprehension development (Fisher, Flood, Lapp, & Frey, 2004; Hickman, Pollard-Durodola, & Vaughn, 2004) and background knowledge, language, and listening comprehension skills (Beck and Mckeown, 2001).

When teachers and parents use comprehension recall techniques for example, they use direct questioning to encourage students to try to recall and recap information in their own words. Similarly, the tiered approach of modeling outlined below uses questions to assist teachers in teaching a heterogeneous class of ELL students. Parents can also do this at home with their ESL children.

Sample modeling scheme for Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson (2003).

Modeling Tier #1: Level of response anticipated: simple identification

Now, let's try and remember our story character. (Teacher points to the cave shown on the book's cover) Where was Bear and what was he doing?

Modeling Tier #2: Level of response anticipated: recall-knowledge

Modeling lead-in. Teacher reads the passage: A gopher and a mole tunnel up through the floor. Then a wren and a raven flutter in through the door!

Which animals dug a tunnel? Which animals came in through the door? Does this example work for recall-knowledge?

Modeling Tier #3: Level of response anticipated: inference

When you tunnel up through the floor, are you on top of the ground or underneath? The teacher might want to draw attention to the fact that the word 'tunnel' can be both a verb and a noun.

Modeling Tier #4: Comprehension and Concept Understanding

Lead-in 1. Look at each of the animals in Bear Snores On. Okay, let's see what they do. This story is written in rhyme scheme. A rhyme scheme is where words sound the same, usually at the end of each sentence. Here's an example: "Mouse sips wee slurps. Hare burps big BURPS!"

Which two words rhyme? Teacher or parent gives yet another example (ie. bear, lair, explaining the term homophones) Now let's take a look at the mouse and the hare. Which word describes what the hare does? Which word describes what mouse does?

Lead-in 2. Explaining the Concept of Cause-Effect (a step-by-step procedure)

When your mother tries to wake you up in the morning to get up for school, she is trying to causeyou to wake up. Something happens in our story to causebear to finally stop his snoring. Do you remember what it is? Let's read it again together and see if we can pick out the word (or words) that causes bear to suddenly wake up.

Hare stokes the fire.

Mouse seasons stew.

Then a small pepper fleck

Makes the bear...RAAAAA-CHOOOOOO!

Further explication on the concept: What does this noise causeall the animals to do? Students look at the pictures. (they hide away from the noise, they run away, they cover their heads and ears)

Discuss the term effect. What effect do the animals' reactions have in the story? If bear's sneeze causes the animals to hide from the noise or run away, what is the effect, or what happens, because of those actions? Does this work, then, for young ELLs?

Now, back to you. When you first wake up, are you grouchy? Let's take a look at bear here? Does he look happy to you? What does he do? Teacher reads the part about the bear's reaction ("And the bear wakes up! Bear gnarls and he snarls. Bear roars and he rumbles! Bear jumps and he stomps. Bear growls and he grumbles.") Teacher draws attention to the fact that these are in fact, rhyming words)

Lead in 3. What do the animals first say to bear when he starts to cry?

The criteria for bridging reading and early literacy is based on the language teaching principle that the story elements and vocabulary naturally lend themselves to being taught inductively. Using the questioning approach may seem a bit tedious, but when used to model comprehension strategies, parents and teachers have a variety of options in which to do this.

Works Cited

Beck, I.L., & McKeown, M.G. (2001). Text talk: Capturing the benefits of read-aloud experiences for young children. The Reading Teacher, 55, 10-20.

Fisher, D., Flood, J., Lapp, D., & Frey, N. (2004). Interactive read-alouds: Is there a common set of implementation practices. The Reading Teacher, 58, 8-17.

Wilson, K. (2003). Bear Snores On. Simon and Schuster.

This article is only part of a presentation regularly offered by Dorit Sasson as part of her in-service training programs for teachers of English language learners. For more information about speaking engagements and in-service, contact Dorit Sasson at sassondorit@gmail.com or visit the Teachers' Diversity Coach, at http://www.DoritSasson.com and click on the "speaking" page.

Follow Day 5 of Ms. Sasson's tour tomorrow at www.nancyisanders.wordpress.com. Leave a comment and your name will automatically be entered to win a Three Angels Gourmet Co mug and a package of Divine Dill Dip Mix - at the end of the month, provided by the National Writing for Children Center.

Writing Tips from Children’s Author Suzanne Lieurance

2011-03-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

Thank for you joining me here today for Day 4 of my 6-day virtual tour for my new middle grade historical novel, The Locket: Surviving the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Today I'd like to offer some writing tips when it comes to writing historical fiction.

Bringing The Past to Life: Tips for Writing Historical Fiction

The most important thing when writing historical fiction is the research. If you don't have plenty of accurate information it will be next to impossible to create a fictional character from this time and place come alive for readers. Try to find as many primary resources as possible. Primary resources include quotes from people who actually lived through the time and/or event you're using as the basic for your fictional story. You can find these kinds of quotes from old letters, journals, and diaries.

Next, when writing historical fiction, try to create a main character readers will care about so they'll want to read your story to find out what happens to this person.

For more tips for writing historical fiction, listen to this short audio:

Follow Day 5 of Ms. Lieurance's tour tomorrow at www.nancyisanders.wordpress.com. Leave a comment and your name will automatically be entered to win a Three Angels Gourmet Co mug and a package of Divine Dill Dip Mix - at the end of the month, provided by the National Writing for Children Center.

Writing Tips from Children’s Author Sherrie Madia

2011-03-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to day four of Sherrie Madia’s 6-day NWFCC March Author Showcase tour and climb into the all important content or meat of an effective story.

For anyone interested in writing a children’s book, know that it all starts with content. When I begin to write, the ideas simply pour out. Some days, I can’t write them down fast enough. But then, I stop to consider, “How might this contribute to children’s literature?” It’s important for any author to ask basic questions such as, “How does this book fill an existing void? What is it similar to in terms of what’s out there? How is it different?”

Once you have worked on a draft, fine tuned, stepped away, tried the story out on family and friends, edited your work, and repeated the process, you’ll then want to gather an actual target audience. Your local elementary or preschool might be the best place to start. Ask the principal if you might share your story and if he or she might be willing to let you read it to a pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten class. Only then will you learn what no one else but your audience can tell you about elements in the work that must be turned up, turned down, or taken out.

This process, too, will supercharge you toward producing a stellar work. Ultimately, the secret ingredient to any successful children’s book is you must understand your audience, and you must genuinely care about how they will react, what they will experience, and the nuances that will engage and captivate young minds. I have worked with authors who are writing for the wrong reasons—thinking they will make a quick profit, or not stopping to care about the audience. These authors tend to get only so far.

Those authors who care about their craft, care about the end user, and when it comes to writing for children, this is a powerful statement, because we have the ability to foster creativity, and engage young minds in thinking through what little they know of the world. And as anyone who has ever enjoyed a favorite story as a child can attest to, these stories can shape the lens through which we begin to see the world.

Writing for children is both an honor and a privilege, and if you’re fortunate enough to be an author whose stories children want to read, consider that you’ve played your own small part in changing the world.

Follow Day 5 of Ms. Madia's tour tomorrow at www.nancyisanders.wordpress.com. Leave a comment and your name will automatically be entered to win a Three Angels Gourmet Co mug and a package of Divine Dill Dip Mix - at the end of the month, provided by the National Writing for Children Center.

Writing Tips from Children’s Author M.E. Fink

2011-03-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to day four of M.E. Finke’s 6-day NWFCC March Author Showcase tour and join Ms. Finke as she discusses the all important HOOK of a story.

Think about what HOOKS you on a story. Then compare it with what I think makes a great story. I want to write them. You want to read them.

#1 – Get the action going on the first page.

#2 – Don’t waffle on. Waffles are fine for breakfast – not for writing.

#3 – Create characters a kid will root for and identify with – the good, the bad and the ugly!

#4 – Powerful and active verbs are a writer’s best friend. Use your Thesaurus to dig them out.

#5 – Analogies only work when they fit the time, the character and the setting.

#6 – Tight writing is the name of the game mates - tight as your granny’s new girdle, mates.

#7 - Keep a tight focus on your plot. Sidetracks that lead nowhere slow the pace.

#8 – A few short and punchy sentences UP the tension. Long rambling ones KILL tension.

#9 – Find a good critique group. Pick the brains of the advanced members. Their feedback and support will prove helpful.

#10 - Learn to network among other writers. Join online writing lists and groups that write for the same age as yourself.

I write and tweak as I go along. I have to watch out for the word GREAT. It pops up everywhere. Do you have an overused word that needs an exterminator? I love to track down super powerful verbs that make a scene jump off the page.

Getting carried away with a descriptive passage is one of my faults. I have to consider it for a while, and then decide if it is there because it strengthens the story, or just because I fell in love with my own words.

Self-editing is one of the hardest tasks a writer can tackle. We are so close to the characters, and involved with the plot, that weaknesses and side tracks are often entirely missed. This is where a critique group is a wonderful asset. I rely on my group to jump on my “waffles,” point out plot weaknesses and give me an overall opinion – thumbs UP or thumbs DOWN.

Rewriting and then putting it aside for a few weeks (months) is an excellent way to discover obvious problems, and weaknesses you missed when working on it every day. I recommend this to all my clients. The answer to that nagging feeling that something didn’t quite jell will jump out at you the moment you reread those pages with fresh eyes.

I think the biggest problem I see in beginner’s manuscripts is overwriting. Tight writing doesn’t have to be stilted. Let it flow. However, make sure the story flows in the right direction and at a good pace. Practice and experience will help you master tight writing, good pace and focus. Until then, there’s always that critique group to point out the error of your writing ways.

Follow Day 5 of Ms. Finke's tour tomorrow at www.nancyisanders.wordpress.com. Leave a comment and your name will automatically be entered to win a Three Angels Gourmet Co mug and a package of Divine Dill Dip Mix - at the end of the month, provided by the National Writing for Children Center.